Geriatric Mental Health Alliance News
A bi-weekly email to brief you on issues important to geriatric mental health
August 04, 2008 - Vol 2, Issue 9
August 04, 2008 - Vol 2, Issue 9
Congratulations Kim!
We are very pleased to announce that Kim Steinhagen, Director of the Alliance is marrying Daniel Williams on August 2nd. When she returns from her honeymoon-in Thailand no less-she will be Kimberly A. Williams. Please note that her email will change from steinhagenk@mhaofnyc.org to kwilliams@mhaofnyc.org. Phone number and address will remain the same.
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Substance Abuse and Misuse in Older Adults
Click here to read more.
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NYC 9/11 Benefit Program for Mental Health & Substance Use Services
The New York City Health Department is offering an insurance-like benefit to help cover mental health and substance-use treatment for NYC residents still affected by the terrorist events of September 11, 2001. Please click here for more information or here to order materials for handout.
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Upcoming Events
September 11, 2008 - Making Every Day Count: A Challenge for Geriatric Care Managers. An annual conference of the Greater New York Chapter of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. The keynote will be by David Spiegel, MD, Director of the Center on Stress and Health, Stanford University School of Medicine and Rona Bartelstone, LCSW, Founder and past President of NAPGCM. The event will be held at the Roosevelt Hotel, 45th & Madison Ave. from 08:30am - 04:30pm
September 13, 2008 - CANCELLED - The Paradoxes of Aging: Psychotherapy with Older A conference sponsored by The Met Chapter of the New York State Society of Clinical Social Workers and co- sponsored by the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance and Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. Morning Keynote will be by Gene D. Cohen, MD, Ph.D. Michael Friedman will be a discussant. The event will be held at Fordham University, Manhattan Campus (113 W. 60th St.) from 08:30am to 04:00pm. For more information, please contact SBW Partners at (212) 337-2555.
We will keep you informed on the rescheduled date.
September 24-26, 2008 - NYAPRS 26th Annual Conference - Integrating Our Services: Integrating Our Lives A conference celebrating the advances in the promotion of the recovery, rehabilitation and rights of people with psychiatric disabilities, the event will be held at the Nevele Grande Hotel, Ellenville, NY.
Please click here for registration and brochure.
October 2, 2008 - Save-the-Date: Meeting the Mental Health Challenges of the Elder Boom, a community conference for Health and Human Service Providers and Family Care Givers from Warren and Washington Counties. The keynote speaker will be Michael Friedman. The conference will be held at the Queensbury Hotel from 08:00am to 12:00pm.
For more information, please click here.
October 23-25, 2008 - Save-the-Date: State Society on Aging of New York 36th Annual Conference This year's theme is: Geriatric Mental Health: Practice, Research, Education, and Policy and the conference will be held at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY. Michael Friedman will receive the President's Award in recognition of the work of the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance.
November 12-13, 2008 - Empowering Communities for Successful Aging. Housing, Neighborhood Supports, and Services. This conference will help provide communities with the tools to become elder friendly and more livable for persons of all ages. The conference will be held at the Saratoga Hilton and Conference Center, Saratoga Springs, NY.
NY Connects Building Connections Workshop
NY Connects is pleased to announce the Building Connections workshop that will be offered in 6 locations across the State. This workshop is designed to support and strengthen local program operations and the Long Term Care Councils. NYSOFA Director Burgess or his designee, and a representative from DOH will provide opening remarks on the current status and future directions of long term care in NYS.
To register, please click here.
Educational Seminar Series at Service Program for Older People (SPOP) This training opportunity features SPOP clinicians who have extensive experience with older adults and mental health. It is offered to the professional geriatrics community and all who work with seniors. Each seminar is held at: 302 West 91st Street at West End Avenue, New York, NY. Seminar fee: $15. Discount for 3 or more attendees from the same organization. Space is limited. Please register in advance by mail or online here or call: 212-787-7102 ext.515.
For topics, dates, and registration information, click here.
HIV/AIDS and Older Adults Trainings The AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) and the Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS) is offering a citywide HIV training program funded by the New York City Council. These free trainings will help senior service providers address HIV prevention issues and understand better the needs of those aging with HIV. Each seminar is held at various locations.
For dates and registration information, click here.
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Speak Out About Access to Mental Health Services
The National Alliance of Mental Illness of New York Metro is working to improve mental health insurance coverage for New Yorkers and would love to hear your story. Participate in a BRIEF, PAID, PHONE INTERVIEW regarding your mental health insurance coverage. To schedule an interview or for more information, please call Vera Oziransky at 212-684-3365 or email insurance@naminyc.org
Click here for more information.
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In the News…Antipsychotic Medications May Ease Some Alzheimer’s Symptoms, Not Others
Antipsychotic Medications May Ease Some Alzheimer's Symptoms, Not Others
Science Update
June 23, 2008
Antipsychotic medications may lessen symptoms like hostility and aggression in patients with Alzheimer's disease, but do not appear to lessen other symptoms or improve quality of life, according to a recent analysis of data from the NIMH-funded Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness Alzheimer's Disease (CATIE-AD) study. The analysis was published online ahead of print June 2, 2008, in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
The 421 participants in the CATIE-AD study all had Alzheimer's-related dementia with additional symptoms such as delusions, aggression, hallucinations, or agitation that were severe enough to disrupt their functioning. Previously reported results of CATIE-AD concluded that the antipsychotic medications compared in the trial (olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone) were no more effective than placebo (sugar pill) when adverse effects were considered. This new analysis delved deeper to measure effects of the medications on patients.
David Sultzer, M.D., of the University of California Los Angeles, and colleagues found that CATIE-AD participants who completed the first 12 weeks of treatment with risperidone or olanzapine showed significant improvement in symptoms of hostility, aggression, mistrust and uncooperativeness, compared to placebo. However, none of the antipsychotic medications showed benefit in treating symptoms of depression, cognitive difficulties or functional disability. Further, those taking olanzapine showed increased symptoms of blunted emotions.
The researchers caution that these results show average group outcomes and may not apply to individual treatment effects. Doctors should consider each patient's circumstances, vulnerabilities and needs to determine if potential benefits will outweigh potential adverse effects, say the researchers. Sultzer and colleagues conclude by calling for additional research to identify potential subgroups of patients with certain neurobiological factors or symptom characteristics that may predispose them to specific responses to antipsychotic treatments.
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In the News…Does Mental Illness Affect Consumer Direction of Community-Based Care?
Does Mental Illness Affect Consumer Direction of Community-Based Care? Lessons From the Arkansas Cash and Counseling Program
Ce Shen, PhD1, Michael A. Smyer, PhD2, Kevin J. Mahoney, PhD1, Dawn M. Loughlin, PhD3, Lori Simon-Rusinowitz, PhD3 and Ellen K. Mahoney, DNS4
Purpose: Previous research from the Cash and Counseling Demonstration and Evaluation (CCDE) in Arkansas, New Jersey, and Florida suggests that giving consumers control over their personal care greatly increases their satisfaction and improves their outlook on life. Still, some argue that consumer-directed care may not be appropriate for consumers with intellectual disabilities or mental health diagnoses. This study examined how Cash and Counseling-a new option allowing consumers to manage an individualized budget equivalent to what agencies would have spent on their care-changes the way consumers with mental health diagnoses meet their personal care needs and how that affects their well-being. Design and Methods: Using the Arkansas CCDE baseline and the 9-month follow-up data for individuals in the treatment and control groups, we compared and contrasted the experience of elderly consumers with and without mental health diagnoses utilizing logit regression. Results: After examining several outcome measures, including satisfaction with care arrangements and the paid caregiver's reliability and schedule, unmet needs, and satisfaction with the relationship with paid caregivers, this study found evidence that, from the perspective of consumers, the Cash and Counseling program works well for participants with mental health diagnoses. Implications: Considering the growing need for long-term-care services and the limited resources available, a consumer-directed option makes sense, and it can be a valuable alternative for persons with mental health needs.
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In the News… Perceptions About Competing Psychosocial Problems and Treatment Priorities Among Older Adults with Depression
Perceptions About Competing Psychosocial Problems and Treatment Priorities Among Older Adults With Depression
Enola K. Proctor, Ph.D., Leslie Hasche, M.S.W., Nancy Morrow-Howell, Ph.D., Martha Shumway, Ph.D. and Grace Snell, M.S.W.
OBJECTIVE: Depression often co-occurs with other conditions that may pose competing demands to depression care, particularly in later life. This study examined older adults' perceptions of depression among co-occurring social, medical, and functional problems and compared the priority of depression with that of other problems. METHODS: The study's purposeful sample comprised 49 adults age 60 or older with a history of depression and in publicly funded community long-term care. Four-part, mixed-methods interviews sought to capture participants' perceptions of life problems as well as the priority they placed on depression. Methods included standardized depression screening, semistructured qualitative interviews, listing of problems, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of problem rankings. RESULTS: Most participants identified health, functional, and psychosocial problems co-occurring with depressive symptoms. Depression was ranked low among the co-occurring conditions; 6% ranked depression as the most important of their problems, whereas 45% ranked it last. Relative rank scores for problems were remarkably similar, with the notable exception of depression, which was ranked lowest of all problems. Participants did not see depression as a high priority compared with co-occurring problems, particularly psychosocial ones. CONCLUSIONS: Effective and durable improvements to mental health care must be shaped by an understanding of client perceptions and priorities. Motivational interviewing, health education, and assessment of treatment priorities may be necessary in helping older adults value and accept depression care. Nonspecialty settings of care may effectively link depression treatment to other services, thereby increasing receptivity to mental health services.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming Events
September 11, 2008 - Making Every Day Count: A Challenge for Geriatric Care Managers. An annual conference of the Greater New York Chapter of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. The keynote will be by David Spiegel, MD, Director of the Center on Stress and Health, Stanford University School of Medicine and Rona Bartelstone, LCSW, Founder and past President of NAPGCM. The event will be held at the Roosevelt Hotel, 45th & Madison Ave. from 08:30am - 04:30pm
September 13, 2008 - CANCELLED - The Paradoxes of Aging: Psychotherapy with Older A conference sponsored by The Met Chapter of the New York State Society of Clinical Social Workers and co- sponsored by the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance and Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. Morning Keynote will be by Gene D. Cohen, MD, Ph.D. Michael Friedman will be a discussant. The event will be held at Fordham University, Manhattan Campus (113 W. 60th St.) from 08:30am to 04:00pm. For more information, please contact SBW Partners at (212) 337-2555.
We will keep you informed on the rescheduled date.
September 24-26, 2008 - NYAPRS 26th Annual Conference - Integrating Our Services: Integrating Our Lives A conference celebrating the advances in the promotion of the recovery, rehabilitation and rights of people with psychiatric disabilities, the event will be held at the Nevele Grande Hotel, Ellenville, NY.
Please click here for registration and brochure.
October 2, 2008 - Save-the-Date: Meeting the Mental Health Challenges of the Elder Boom, a community conference for Health and Human Service Providers and Family Care Givers from Warren and Washington Counties. The keynote speaker will be Michael Friedman. The conference will be held at the Queensbury Hotel from 08:00am to 12:00pm.
For more information, please click here.
October 23-25, 2008 - Save-the-Date: State Society on Aging of New York 36th Annual Conference This year's theme is: Geriatric Mental Health: Practice, Research, Education, and Policy and the conference will be held at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY. Michael Friedman will receive the President's Award in recognition of the work of the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance.
November 12-13, 2008 - Empowering Communities for Successful Aging. Housing, Neighborhood Supports, and Services. This conference will help provide communities with the tools to become elder friendly and more livable for persons of all ages. The conference will be held at the Saratoga Hilton and Conference Center, Saratoga Springs, NY.
NY Connects Building Connections Workshop
NY Connects is pleased to announce the Building Connections workshop that will be offered in 6 locations across the State. This workshop is designed to support and strengthen local program operations and the Long Term Care Councils. NYSOFA Director Burgess or his designee, and a representative from DOH will provide opening remarks on the current status and future directions of long term care in NYS.
To register, please click here.
Educational Seminar Series at Service Program for Older People (SPOP) This training opportunity features SPOP clinicians who have extensive experience with older adults and mental health. It is offered to the professional geriatrics community and all who work with seniors. Each seminar is held at: 302 West 91st Street at West End Avenue, New York, NY. Seminar fee: $15. Discount for 3 or more attendees from the same organization. Space is limited. Please register in advance by mail or online here or call: 212-787-7102 ext.515.
For topics, dates, and registration information, click here.
HIV/AIDS and Older Adults Trainings The AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) and the Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS) is offering a citywide HIV training program funded by the New York City Council. These free trainings will help senior service providers address HIV prevention issues and understand better the needs of those aging with HIV. Each seminar is held at various locations.
For dates and registration information, click here.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Speak Out About Access to Mental Health Services
The National Alliance of Mental Illness of New York Metro is working to improve mental health insurance coverage for New Yorkers and would love to hear your story. Participate in a BRIEF, PAID, PHONE INTERVIEW regarding your mental health insurance coverage. To schedule an interview or for more information, please call Vera Oziransky at 212-684-3365 or email insurance@naminyc.org
Click here for more information.
------------------------------------------------------------------
In the News…Antipsychotic Medications May Ease Some Alzheimer’s Symptoms, Not Others
Antipsychotic Medications May Ease Some Alzheimer's Symptoms, Not Others
Science Update
June 23, 2008
Antipsychotic medications may lessen symptoms like hostility and aggression in patients with Alzheimer's disease, but do not appear to lessen other symptoms or improve quality of life, according to a recent analysis of data from the NIMH-funded Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness Alzheimer's Disease (CATIE-AD) study. The analysis was published online ahead of print June 2, 2008, in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
The 421 participants in the CATIE-AD study all had Alzheimer's-related dementia with additional symptoms such as delusions, aggression, hallucinations, or agitation that were severe enough to disrupt their functioning. Previously reported results of CATIE-AD concluded that the antipsychotic medications compared in the trial (olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone) were no more effective than placebo (sugar pill) when adverse effects were considered. This new analysis delved deeper to measure effects of the medications on patients.
David Sultzer, M.D., of the University of California Los Angeles, and colleagues found that CATIE-AD participants who completed the first 12 weeks of treatment with risperidone or olanzapine showed significant improvement in symptoms of hostility, aggression, mistrust and uncooperativeness, compared to placebo. However, none of the antipsychotic medications showed benefit in treating symptoms of depression, cognitive difficulties or functional disability. Further, those taking olanzapine showed increased symptoms of blunted emotions.
The researchers caution that these results show average group outcomes and may not apply to individual treatment effects. Doctors should consider each patient's circumstances, vulnerabilities and needs to determine if potential benefits will outweigh potential adverse effects, say the researchers. Sultzer and colleagues conclude by calling for additional research to identify potential subgroups of patients with certain neurobiological factors or symptom characteristics that may predispose them to specific responses to antipsychotic treatments.
------------------------------------------------------------------
In the News…Does Mental Illness Affect Consumer Direction of Community-Based Care?
Does Mental Illness Affect Consumer Direction of Community-Based Care? Lessons From the Arkansas Cash and Counseling Program
Ce Shen, PhD1, Michael A. Smyer, PhD2, Kevin J. Mahoney, PhD1, Dawn M. Loughlin, PhD3, Lori Simon-Rusinowitz, PhD3 and Ellen K. Mahoney, DNS4
Purpose: Previous research from the Cash and Counseling Demonstration and Evaluation (CCDE) in Arkansas, New Jersey, and Florida suggests that giving consumers control over their personal care greatly increases their satisfaction and improves their outlook on life. Still, some argue that consumer-directed care may not be appropriate for consumers with intellectual disabilities or mental health diagnoses. This study examined how Cash and Counseling-a new option allowing consumers to manage an individualized budget equivalent to what agencies would have spent on their care-changes the way consumers with mental health diagnoses meet their personal care needs and how that affects their well-being. Design and Methods: Using the Arkansas CCDE baseline and the 9-month follow-up data for individuals in the treatment and control groups, we compared and contrasted the experience of elderly consumers with and without mental health diagnoses utilizing logit regression. Results: After examining several outcome measures, including satisfaction with care arrangements and the paid caregiver's reliability and schedule, unmet needs, and satisfaction with the relationship with paid caregivers, this study found evidence that, from the perspective of consumers, the Cash and Counseling program works well for participants with mental health diagnoses. Implications: Considering the growing need for long-term-care services and the limited resources available, a consumer-directed option makes sense, and it can be a valuable alternative for persons with mental health needs.
------------------------------------------------------------------
In the News… Perceptions About Competing Psychosocial Problems and Treatment Priorities Among Older Adults with Depression
Perceptions About Competing Psychosocial Problems and Treatment Priorities Among Older Adults With Depression
Enola K. Proctor, Ph.D., Leslie Hasche, M.S.W., Nancy Morrow-Howell, Ph.D., Martha Shumway, Ph.D. and Grace Snell, M.S.W.
OBJECTIVE: Depression often co-occurs with other conditions that may pose competing demands to depression care, particularly in later life. This study examined older adults' perceptions of depression among co-occurring social, medical, and functional problems and compared the priority of depression with that of other problems. METHODS: The study's purposeful sample comprised 49 adults age 60 or older with a history of depression and in publicly funded community long-term care. Four-part, mixed-methods interviews sought to capture participants' perceptions of life problems as well as the priority they placed on depression. Methods included standardized depression screening, semistructured qualitative interviews, listing of problems, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of problem rankings. RESULTS: Most participants identified health, functional, and psychosocial problems co-occurring with depressive symptoms. Depression was ranked low among the co-occurring conditions; 6% ranked depression as the most important of their problems, whereas 45% ranked it last. Relative rank scores for problems were remarkably similar, with the notable exception of depression, which was ranked lowest of all problems. Participants did not see depression as a high priority compared with co-occurring problems, particularly psychosocial ones. CONCLUSIONS: Effective and durable improvements to mental health care must be shaped by an understanding of client perceptions and priorities. Motivational interviewing, health education, and assessment of treatment priorities may be necessary in helping older adults value and accept depression care. Nonspecialty settings of care may effectively link depression treatment to other services, thereby increasing receptivity to mental health services.
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