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DEMENTIA

Mental Disorders in Older Adults

Course Outline

Dementia is a life-altering diagnosis for patients and loved-ones alike. The progressive disease causes cognitive, emotional, and behaviorial changes that can frustate the efforts of even the most dedicated caregivers and treatment can be a supremely challenging experience, even for seasoned health care professionals, such as nurses, social workers, psychologists, and physisicans. The authors have presented evidence based contextual model of dementia care that lays out broad intervention strategies, and ecncourages readers to use thier own creatively and inner resources to develop appropriate solutions for each uniques situation and individual.

About the Author(s)

Susan M. Mccurry, PhD, is research professor in the University of Washington Department of Psychosocial and Community Health and adjunct reasearch professor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences. She is a clinical psychologist specializing in gerontology and has worked with older adults with memory loss and their families for over 20 years.

Claudia Drossel, PhD, received her PhD in experimental psycholody in 2004 from temple University, with a specialization in the organization of learning as well as funstional and contextual approcahes to affect, behavior, and cognition. She currently is a doctoral candidate in the University of Nevada, Reno's clinical gerontology program.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course you’ll be able to:


1.	Define dementia.
2.	Compare the features of Alzheimer’s disease with several other cerebral disorders according to Table 1.1.
3.	Define aphasia, apraxia, and agnosia.
4.	Discuss the symptom of disorientation.
5.	Describe changes in sensory perception in people with dementia.
6.	Discuss symptoms of progressive cognitive decline.
7.	Describe the contextual model of dementia care.
8.	Define functional analysis.
9.	State the A-B-Cs of behavior change
10.	State the steps in defining a behavior.
11.	Compare antecedent and activator.
12.	Define reinforcement and punishment.
13.	List the three elements of good dementia care as compared to a three-legged stool.
14.	List the components of the acronym DANCE.
15.	Define excess disability.
16.	Discuss the first meeting.
17.	Describe the stage of gathering information.
18.	Describe POLITE communication.
19.	Define informed consent according to Grisso and Applebaum.
20.	List several possible causes of excess disabilityin the person with dementia.
21.	Discuss methods of assessing medication side effects and interactions.
22.	Describe the role of fatigue and pain in the cognitively impaired person.
23.	State the methods used to assist the caregiver role.
24.	Describe how relationships change with dementia.
25.	Discuss the parent-child and husband-wife role when being a caregiver.
26.	State a method given to caregivers to focus on when caring for the recipient.
27.	List the stressors of third party assistance.
28.	Discuss the sexuality policies for long term care according to Table 6.3.
29.	Compare the contextual model, NDB, and PLST approaches.
30.	List several similarities of the contextual model, NDB, and PLST approaches.
31.	Compare the emphasis and focus between NDB and PLST approach
32.	Describe the Seattle Protocols.
33.	List the six stressor categories that are important for persons with dementia.
34.	Discuss response methods to accusatory behaviors.
35.	Discuss the use of compassionate misinformation.
36.	Define meaningful activity and the challenges.
37.	Define a safety bubble.
38.	Discuss caregiver burnout.
39.	State the three things that help caregivers and trainees remain inspired, energized and hopeful.

Course Contents


1.	Making Sense of the Diagnosis
2.	The Contextual Model of Dementia Care
3.	Build Collaborative Relationships
4.	Discuss Concerns Respectfully: Establishing Consent and Rapport in the Initial Interview
5.	Ameliorate Excess Disability: Treating Sensory Loss and Comorbidities
6.	Nurture the Dyad: Strengthening the Caregiver Partnerships
7.	Create Contextual Solutions: Managing CommonAffective and Behavioral Changes
8.	Enjoy Sharing the Journey: Supporting a Good Quality of Life
9.	Going the Distance: Your Long-Term Role
	References
	Index

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