The Hellenic Association of Egypt and the Middle East (EEAMA), in partnership with Fronditha Care and PRONIA, will present an information session and panel discussion on Greek Australians and dementia, where experts will provide an overview and the latest data about dementia, on Sunday, 16 October.

This joint initiative aims to provide awareness and information relevant to the Greek-Australian community, offered by experts in the field of dementia specialising in how it affects Greek-Australians.

Dementia affects thousands of Greek community members and has a ripple effect on their families and social circle. It is the second leading cause of death for Australians and the leading cause of death for women in the county. It is estimated that by 2058, 1.1 million people will be affected by the debilitating condition.

The session will be presented by:

– Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos who received her PhD in 1995 from the University of Melbourne and Advanced certificate in Protein Crystallography University of London. Her expertise is in the areas of immunology, crystallography, cellular biology, translational research and the development of drugs and vaccines. Vasso has lead/Directed several research programs at the Austin Research Institute, the Burnet Institute, Centre for Chronic Disease, and, at the Institute for Health and Sport Victoria University.Vasso has received >100 awards, published >550 research papers and books, is an inventor on 20 patents and her current interests are in research and education in healthy ageing.

– Dr Arthur Kokkinias, a psychiatrist who has worked in the fields of public mental health and in private psychiatric practice for over 20 years. He graduated in Medicine from the University of Melbourne in 1992 and completed his Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 2000. In 2001 he also completed a Master of Medicine (Psychiatry). He is currently the Lead Psychiatrist at the Community Mental Health Clinic of the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Dr Kokkinias also works in his private practice, with a strong interest in mood and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, substance abuse disorders, chronic pain and cognitive degenerative conditions.

– Matthew Staios, a clinical neuropsychologist, PhD candidate and teaching associate attached to Monash Universities Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health in the School of Psychological Sciences. Mathew’s research interests include the development of neuropsychological tests and assessment techniques, accurate and early detection of dementias in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations, understanding the influences of culture on cognitive processes, and behavioural support/rehabilitation. He has presented his research findings at international research symposiums, published his research in peer-reviewed journals, acts as a reviewer for scientific journals, and has guest lectured at universities in Greece.

– And Paul Kounnas who has practiced as a Barrister for over 15 years. During that time, he has had the opportunity to see the use and abuse of the law when dealing with elderly Greek Australians. Paul has a specialised practice dealing in serious criminal law, but maintains an interest in helping the community particularly when it comes to issues of guardianship and elder abuse that can be very confronting to those families that have never had any involvement with the law before. Paul is also a member of the Victorian Bar’s ethics committee and teaches advocacy when not in court.

When: Sunday, 16 October, from 2pm – 4pm. Arrival from 1.30 p.m.

Where: Stars International Hall in Preston (1C Bell St),Victoria

Entrance is free, and light refreshments will be offered.

Reservations essential via Fronditha Care: (03) 9552 4100 or via email: panagiota.kotsakinou@fronditha.org and PRONIA: (03)9388 9998 or by email: info@pronia.com.au