Welcome Letter

Dear Colleagues,

Following the success of the previous meetings on dementia and other cognitive impairments in Parkinson’s disease (and other movement disorders) which were covered in Jerusalem, Amsterdam, Montreal and Salzburg we are now following up with another congress on these topics which is planned to take place in Dresden, Germany on October 16-19, 2008.

Our aim is to discuss the new developments in the understanding of cognitive and psychiatric aspects in Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. During our meeting in Dresden we shall have an opportunity to deliberate on brain diseases and how they contribute to cognitive decline. We shall try to identify the specific psychological markers, if any, of Parkinson’s dementia and of dementia with Lewy bodies, and also the biochemical and genetic factors involved. The identification of cortical Lewy bodies in recent years has contributed to our understanding but at the same time raised new and still unanswered questions. The overlap with Alzheimer’s disease will be a central issue, as will be the neurochemical changes seen in these disorders.

Delirium, dementia, anxiety and psychosis frequently affect the lives of patients and caregivers even more than motor disturbances, and they therefore deserve special attention.

Dresden, the city of art and culture on the River Elbe, will provide an exquisite background for an open exchange of ideas and presentation of new research findings.

We hope that you will participate and join us for the stimulating scientific session as well as the special unique charm and Saxon hospitality of which Dresden is known for.

We look forward to meeting you in Dresden in October 2008.

Yours Sincerely,