University of Wisconsin - Extension

MADISON, Wis. - Professionals who work with older adults can learn about the latest research in nutrition and aging at the Current Concepts in Nutrition and Aging conference, Friday, Sept. 6 at The Pyle Center in Madison.

The conference features keynote speaker Jane Morley Kotchen, Professor of Epidemiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Kotchen, is also the principal investigator for the Milwaukee Clinical Center of the Women's Health Initiative, a large national study of the health of postmenopausal women. The Women's Health Initiative recently announced the results of its study of health risks of hormone replacement therapy.

Kotchen will address the conference on the subject of dietary intake patterns in older women, based on findings on older women in Wisconsin and the U.S. as a whole. Her research relates dietary intake patterns to other risk factors for disease in older women.

Conference seminars will focus on Alzheimer's disease and nutrition, men and osteoporosis, arthritis and diet, and the benefits of being physically active in later life. Seminars will also include recommendations on drug-nutrient-food interactions, best practices in clinical settings, and nutrition education for older adults. Recent nutrition research and recommendations for preventive cardiology will be presented, as well as an overview of hunger and food security issues for older adults.

The conference is designed for professionals who work with older adults, including dietitians, nutrition program directors, nutrition educators, social workers, physicians, pharmacists and nurses. Those who work with older individuals in inpatient or outpatient settings such as community centers, hospitals, long-term care facilities, ambulatory care and home health settings will also come away from the conference with information and skills to use in the practice setting.

University of Wisconsin-Extension Family Living Programs sponsors the conference in partnership with the UW-Madison Department of Nutritional Sciences, the Department of Health and Family Services, Bureau of Aging and Long Term Care Resources, the UW-Madison Institute on Aging and the Wisconsin Nutrition Education Network.

The conference will take place at The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon Street in Madison. Parking and lodging information will be sent with your registration confirmation. There is a registration fee of $89 if postmarked by Aug. 16, and $99 after that date. The fee includes lunch, instruction, materials, refreshments and CEUs. Register early, as enrollment is limited.

For more information, contact Elaine Barrett, UW-Extension Family Living Programs at 608-262-1411, toll free at 1-888-391-4255, or elaine.barrett@uwex.edu"> elaine.barrett@uwex.edu. To register, contact The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53706, at 608-265-2955.