2-Day Alzheimers Disease and Other Neurocognitive Disorders Conference-Update on Risks, Treatment and Evidence-Based Management of Complex Issues – M. Catherine Wollman

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Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive disorders are disabling health conditions that create daunting challenges to patients, families and clinicians.

Are you prepared to manage and anticipate the complex patient needs that emerge when caring for these patients?

Have there been times in the past that you wished you had done more…?

Catherine Wollman, DNP, CRNP, GNP-BC, will provide the very latest research about who’s at risk, what’s at stake, and what we can realistically do to manage the impact of neurocognitive disorders.

Knowledge and evidence in dementia care are constantly changing. We will focus on the newest science, but also the use of ingenuity and compassion to address the multiple problems facing patients and families.

Unique clinical challenges will be reviewed using personal stories and case studies to decide the best pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to transform your own practice.

Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive disorders will touch almost all of us personally or professionally.

During this intense recording, Catherine will provide you with new clinical insights and critical thinking skills so that you won’t need to feel uncertain, frustrated or at risk anymore!

1. Differentiate cognitive impairment, dementias, neurocognitive disorders and their unique symptoms and trajectories.
2. Review new DSM5™ changes and updated research on neurocognitive disorders.
3. Evaluate the current status of dementia research, including new risks, causes and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Summarize screening tools and diagnostic methods for neurocognitive disorders.
5. Recognize the impact of neurocognitive disorders/ dementias on the individual, family, caregivers and healthcare providers.
6. Develop a comprehensive interdisciplinary plan of care for the patient and family with neurocognitive disorders/ dementias.
7. Synthesize evidence-based interventions for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
8. Discuss pharmacologic therapy for neurocognitive disorders/ dementias, delirium and depression.
9. Summarize clinical updates on delirium from prevention and early recognition to effective management.
10. Examine ethical issues related to neurocognitive disorders including capacity, safety, diagnosis disclosure, palliative and end of life care.
11. Improve quality of life and outcomes of care for patients and families with neurocognitive disorders/ dementias.
12. Analyze case studies of complex patients with neurocognitive disorders/ dementias.

Neurocognitive Disorders, Dementia and Cognitive Impairment

• DSM-5™ changes and terminology
• Aging and neurodegeneration
• New research related to pathophysiology, diagnosis, risk factors and prevention

Differentiate Neurodegenerative Disorders

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Vascular disease
• Frontotemporal disorder
• Lewy body disease
• Traumatic Brain Injury

Update on Delirium

• Acute or persistent delirium
• Screening and diagnosis
• Prevent life threatening consequences
• Evidence-based medications and treatment
• Long term consequences

Diagnosis of Neurocognitive Disorders/Dementias

• Reversible dementia-like disorders and conditions
• Validated cognitive screening tools
• New diagnostic criteria and stages of dementia
• Family response to diagnosis

Pharmacologic Therapies for Neurocognitive Disorders/Dementias

• Cholinesterase inhibitors
• NMDA receptor antagonists
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics and other psychotropic drugs
• Evaluate new drugs and learn medications to avoid
• Consider risk, side effects, and efficacy for older adults

Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

• Vast majority of patients with one or more BPSD
• Serious negative consequences of untreated behaviors
• Tools to systematically assess the presence and severity of symptoms
• Investigation of multiple contributing factors
• Interdisciplinary creation and evaluation of a treatment plan

Interventions for Common Distressing Behaviors

• Agitation, anxiety and restlessness that lead to emotional distress and disability
• Apathy that contributes to poor prognosis and increased mortality
• Sexually inappropriate behaviors – one of the most distressing behaviors
• Frustration of changing behaviors over time

Best Practice for Unique Challenges

• Eliminate pain-inducing factors to diminish behaviors
• Nutrition and hydration challenges with disease progression
• Sleep disorders and evidencebased management
• Depression and effective therapy
• Psychotic symptoms: Nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions

Ethical Issues

• Safety, function and autonomy
• Comfort and dignity
• Advance care planning
• Palliative care and hospice
• Genetic testing
• Disclosure of diagnosis

Patient/Family Needs Across the Disease Trajectory

• Professional and family caregivers
• Community Resources

Case Studies and Clinical Stories