Training the Aging Brain

About the Presenter James W. Gandy received his medical degree from Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Iowa. He completed his residency at University of Miami, and a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. Dr. Gandy is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in geriatric psychiatry. He is a member of the Battle Creek Health System medical staff, where he serves as chair of the hospital's ethics committee. Dr. Gandy's philosophy of care is to deliver a standard of care for mental illness that embraces professionalism, refutes prejudice, and focuses on the relief of suffering for all individuals.

As we grow older, there are times when we notice that we forget where we put things or find ourselves late for meetings, and then wonder where the time went. Perhaps we also become more distracted from life events. Those are all common traits for those reaching 'middle age.'

Dr. James W. Gandy, medical director of Behavioral Health Resources will discuss the causes of and treatments for the aging brain on Wednesday, February 24, at the Burnham Brook Center.

The program is part of Senior Health Partners' ongoing 'Aging Well' series, which is free to the public. A light luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Gandy's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. For reservations call toll free 1-877-Go2-BCHS (877-462-2247).

Our brains are considered one of the most important organs in our bodies. They control or are responsible for our life-support activities from breathing and keeping our hearts beating to our abilities for learning and remembering things. But as we age, the chemicals in our bodies, especially in our brains change. That is sometimes reflected in a loss of memory or cognitive decline.

Aging has a good side too. As we grow older, we learn more about the world around us. Things we were taught or we observed growing up could now take on new meanings because we are 'adding pieces to the puzzle' each day.

Dr. Gandy's topics will include 'ageism bias' and how we need to reframe the discussion about how the brain changes over time. He believes that age can be a voice of experience and wisdom, and that our concept of intelligence involves more than IQ. He will present three other 'Q's' to consider as well. He will explain some of the new ideas and concepts in the growing field of brain science and the practical applications as we learn more about learning.

Senior Health Partners is a community collaboration founded by Battle Creek Health System and includes the Area Agency on Aging, CentraCare, and Summit Pointe all working together around the shared mission of improving the health and wellness of older adults and family caregivers.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network, is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2010 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.

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