Released May 14, 2008

DAVIS, Calif. – Do you have memory lapses? Experts from UC Davis, American River College, and the University of Southern California will discuss normal memory loss due to aging, and what is not considered normal forgetfulness, at a conference in Sacramento on May 31.

The conference, titled, "Memory: Here Today! Here Tomorrow!" is sponsored by the UC ANR Workgroup on Aging Californians in Rural and Urban Settings and American River College Gerontology Department.

Speakers will describe how one can distinguish between normal and abnormal memory loss. They will suggest coping skills, treatment alternatives for dementia, and ways to promote a healthy memory.

The conference will include the following presentations:

Opening session will include a letter of welcome from Susan Peters, Sacramento County supervisor, and comments by Richard B. Standiford, UC associate vice president for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

"Memory Change With Age: Normal versus Abnormal" by Beth Ober, UC Davis professor of Human Development

"Dementia: The Caregiver’s Challenge," by Barbara Gillogly, Chair of American River College Gerontology Department

"Alternative Therapies for Prevention and Treatment of Dementia," by Freddi Segal-Gidan, USC Keck School of Medicine assistant professor and co-director Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center

"Use It or Lose It - Fact or Fiction?" by Lisa M. S. Miller, UC Davis associate professor of Human Development

Area 4 Agency on Aging, Sacramento County Older Adult Resource Center, Adult and Aging Commission, and other senior services providers will participate.

The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 31 in the Cafeteria Room at American River College, 4700 College Oak Drive in Sacramento.

Conference registration costs $80 or with continuing education credits $95. After May 20, registration will be $100. Registration for senior citizens 65 or older is $10. Sponsorships are available for fixed-income seniors and students. To register, go to ucanr.org/memory08. Checks should be made payable to UC Regents.

For more information, contact Mary Blackburn at mlblackburn@ucdavis.edu or (510) 639-1274 and Gloria Barrett at gjbarrett@ucdavis.edu or (916) 875-6520.

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http://news.ucanr.org/newsstorymain.cfm?story=1102

Contact: Pam Kan-Rice, (510) 987-0043, pamela.kan-rice@ucop.edu