American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry

The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) is a national professional association dedicated to promoting the mental health and well being of older people and improving care of those with late life mental disorders. The AAGP is committed to enhancing the knowledge base and standards of practice in geriatric psychiatry through promoting professional and consumer education, promoting research, and advocating for the mental health needs of older Americans. The Association has several committees that work to fulfill its goals and objectives including committees on public policy, clinical practice, education, and research. The AAGP conducts an annual clinical meeting for its members; in addition, the Association’s Education and Research Foundation offers several regional symposia each year on such topics as the treatment of behavioral disorders in dementia and the management of late-life depression and co-morbid illness. The Education and Research Foundation is an educational program of the AAGP in cooperation with the medical, mental health, and aging communities. The Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness by educating primary care providers of health care services, policy makers, and consumers and caregivers about the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders that commonly affect older adults. The AAGP also engages in lobbying and advocacy activities; publishes regular legislative news and “Washington Beat” updates; and publishes AAGP Position Papers on such issues as “Access to Psychiatric Care for Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementing Illnesses,””Formulary Choices and Restrictions,” and “Psychotherapeutic Medication in the Nursing Home.” In addition, the Association provides a variety of publications and other materials for mental health care professionals including the “Geriatric Psychiatry Practice Handbook”; “Curriculum Resource Guide for Cultural Competence”; “Geriatric Psychiatry Board Review Questions”; slide kits, speaker’s guides, and illustrated monographs for physician education programs on a variety of topics including depression and dementia, behavioral disorders in dementia, and the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease; and the “American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry,” the AAGP’s official journal. The Association also provides consumer education brochures on such topics as depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and the role of the geriatric psychiatrist. The AAGP’s web site on the Internet offers information on the Association’s mission, goals, advocacy and lobbying activities, professional and consumer publications, and other programs and services.