Brain Health and Natural Medicine
Swinburne University, 6-7 February 2012
ATC Building (Advanced Technologies Centre, 427-451 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, Melbourne)With our increasing population, and longer life expectancy there is an increased interest in the development of substances that can help maintain our brain health. Current pharmacological products on the market designed to 'improve' cognitive aging are either not effective or have side effects. As such, there is an interest in examining diet, drugs and complementary medicines to improve or stabilize cognitive functions as we age. It is important that there is a strong evidence base for the use of these medicines and that current research in this area is made available to the public and practitioners.
The Event
This event will launch the new Centre for Human Psychopharmacology (CHP) and will bring together distinguished experts to present recent research on effects of natural medicines and nutritional supplements on health, brain function and clinical mental health (for more information please see our speaker biographies). There will be exciting discussion and debate about the current regulation of complementary medicines from industry and consumer perspectives. We are also are privileged to receive as our keynote speaker Professor Ralph Martins, a distinguished expert on Alzheimer's disease. This conference is an opportunity to learn about the work of a number of research groups as well as to network with colleagues and industry partners.
Conference Panel discussion
Dr Jerome Sarris will also be chairing a panel on "Translating Science into Better Mental Health" which aims to encourage audience interaction and lively debate about evidence-based integrative treatment of mental illness and the enhancement of psychological wellbeing. A/Prof Felice Jacka will be discussing how diet influences mental health, A/Prof Paul Amminger will be providing a medical perspective and also outlining the benefits omega-3 in prevention of psychiatric disorders, while Dr Lesley Braun will provide an integrated approach to safely combining pharmacotherapies with natural products
New researcher abstract submission (PhD students)
There are 6 presentation slots available for early career researchers in the final stages of their PhD. To be selected to present at this event please email your abstract (150 words) to humanpsychopharm@groupwise.swin.edu.au.
Who should attend?
The conference will be of interest to researchers, practitioners and industry representatives interested in normal and abnormal ageing, cognition and natural medicines.
Sponsored by;
Please return registration forms either by post or email to:
Dr. Lauren Owen,
Centre for Human Psychopharmacology,
427-451 Burwood Road,
Hawthorn Vic 3122,
Melbourne
Australia.
Email: humanpsychopharm@groupwise.swin.edu.au
Telephone: +61 3 9214 4477
Fax: +61 3 9214 5525
