Cognitive & Memory Decline in the Aging Brain: Effective Assessment & Intervention – Maxwell Perkins

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In this recording, you’ll learn the effect of aging on memory and cognition to provide the most effective therapy intervention possible. You will learn how to prioritize treatment sessions to focus on functional deficits caused by memory/cognitive changes. The content you will learn covers the spectrum of age related memory/cognitive decline from normal memory loss to Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to end state Alzheimer’s and the behavioral characteristics of each. The effects of memory/cognitive decline on executive function will also be explored. You will leave the day with interventions to manage memory and cognitive decline which you can immediately implement, such as:

• Tools to differentiate between normal vs. abnormal memory/cognitive loss that occurs because of the aging process
• Assessments for self-medication management, fall risk, driving ability, executive function and safety
• Compensatory strategies, environmental considerations and caregiver training ideas
• Brain stimulation activities, exercise programs and non-medication therapy for depression, sleep issues and mental inactivity
• Recommendations for appropriate discharge planning

The most up to date information on brain plasticity, cognitive reserve and intervention strategies will be presented. In addition, you will be able to effectively communicate your concerns to physicians and other team members.

1. Assess the advantages/disadvantages of the three most commonly used cognitive assessments.
2. Implement effective evaluation/treatment interventions in the management of memory/cognition decline.
3. Implement assessment tools that quickly determine a patient’s ability to retain new information.
4. Characterize at least six conditions/co-morbidities that impact cognitive/memory function.
5. Categorize normal vs. abnormal cognitive/memory deficits through the aging process and implement appropriate interventions for each stage.
6. Implement the evaluation tools related to cognitive/memory deficits that are best for determining driving ability and driving skills assessment.
7. Communicate the most up-to-date evidence based resource information for patient/family education.

Spectrum of Cognitive/Memory Decline: Latest Research

• Neuroplasticity
• Reversible causes
• Effect on Executive Function (EF)
• Cannabis use

Memory Loss and Cognitive Impact: Clinical Examples

• Normal memory/cognitive decline
• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
• Mild Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
• Moderate AD
• Severe AD
• Relationship to EF

Cognitive Assessments: Hands on Activities

• MoCA
• SLUMS
• Trail Making
• MMSE
• ACLS
• Stroop Color

Interventions for Contributing Factors

• Depression and suicide: Assessments, referral needs, non-medication therapy
• Sleep issues: Sleep log, sleep hygiene program, environmental strategies
• Mental and physical inactivity: Brain stimulation activities, exercise programs/guidelines
• Vision and hearing loss: Sharpen your observational skills, referral needs, lighting strategies

Interventions for Independence and Safety Issues

• Falls: Computer-based training, decrease risk, increase reaction time, home safety checklist
• Driving: Assessment tools, strategies for cessation of driving, state requirements
• Medication: Self-medication management assessment tool, self-strategies for adherence, caregiver training
• Home Management: Adaptive equipment, strategies for home safety, appropriate discharge environment
• Communication: Strategies for working with caregivers and physicians

Interventions for Managing Memory/Cognitive Decline

• Physical Exercise: Best type, program implementation, shoes
• Communication: Creating stage appropriate handouts
• Computer-based Cognitive Training: Use and evidence-based outcomes
• Spaced Retrieval: Incorporating into treatment, baseline for patient education
• Compensatory Strategies: Lists, calendars, skill set money management

Education and Resources

• Caregiver: Burnout, support systems, community services
• Medicare Guidelines: Documentation requirements, assessment facts
• Web resources: Support groups