IPA Bulletin Editor's Note 

By David G. Folks

IPA Bulletin: The Emphasis is International

IPA is truly an international organization in every respect, our Board of Directors, Officers, meeting locations and ongoing initiatives devoted to the geriatric population. The Bulletin this quarter reflects our diversity and international scope. This issue of IPA Bulletin has submissions from Australia, China (Hong Kong), Ireland, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sweden, and United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland). The scope of the articles includes topics focused on clinical services, research, education and public policy.

Additionally, we have our ever-popular “Research Update” that surveys the literature; “On-the-Web” that guides our members to fantastic connections in cyberspace; and “Culinary Corner” with an opportunity to tantalize the taste buds with yummy recipes from around the globe.

This quarter, we are fortunate to present a series of articles submitted by a panel of experts who tackle the topic of Suicide in Old Age. These “suicidologists” provide facts and figures and intriguing perspectives about the epidemiology and demographics of suicide, risk factors for suicide, suicidal behaviors, the decision- making process that leads to suicide (rational or not?), and, suicide prevention in late life. A reference list is provided that spans the world literature on the topic of late life suicide.

As I read these manuscripts gathered by our Deputy Editor, Ajit Shah, I could not help but think of my thirty years of clinical practice, supervision of residents and fellows and medical students, as well as clinical research projects I have conducted involving depressed patients with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers--- who were more often depressed than their loved ones afflicted with dementia. As the focus of my career has been mood disorders and consultation and care of the medically ill, the issue of suicide is a familiar territory. Of course, when we lose a patient to suicide, we usually do not forget that individual or the circumstance by which they chose to end their life. We hope that we have done our best to prevent “irrational suicide” in our patient. And, we often have the opportunity to speak with the family and other survivors and examine the clinical circumstances around the suicide event. Our invited experts have superbly discussed the topic, suicide in older people, with thought provoking comments. I invite your comments in response to our featured articles on suicide in old age, to be published in our next issue of IPA Bulletin or posted on the IPA web site.

Finally, as many of you attended the IPA meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, do look ahead to our Neuroimaging Workshop in Copenhagen, Denmark on 24 June 2009 and 14th International Congress on 1-5 September 2009 in Montréal, Canada. Both are highlighted in this issue of the IPA Bulletin and on the IPA web site at www.ipa-online.org. I hope to see you at one of these upcoming venues for some fun, professional fellowship and fantastic educational programs.

Best wishes and safe travels.
 

Reprinted from IPA Bulletin, Volume 26, Number 2