Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia: A Practical Guide

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: A Practical Guide is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE) course that offers healthcare professionals a basic foundation in Alzheimer's disease prevention, diagnosis, and risk management through a literature review of evidence-based information and best practices.

Practical information to aid healthcare professionals as they interact with clients who are diagnosed with any of the many types of dementia is presented. For the purposes of this course, we will use the term ‘Alzheimer’s disease’ to refer to all forms of dementia. Dementias other than Alzheimer’s disease will be referenced specifically when information about their specific symptoms or treatment is discussed.

We start by considering of the differences between typical or “normal” aging process and the signs of Alzheimer’s disease. This is followed by a review of the criteria necessary to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and the available evaluations for testing cognition and biomarkers. In section two, we consider the possible risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease, such as traumatic brain injury, Down syndrome, cardiovascular risks, environmental factors, and lifestyle factors.

Section three offers insight into new developments in the study and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and provides information regarding reputable sources for further information.

The difficulties caregivers experience are discussed in section four and strategies for supporting those caregivers are provided. Section five presents practical guidance for caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease, including daily care activities, keeping the person safe, and unwanted behaviors.

Section six reviews prevention and compensation strategies to help people protect their cognitive health as they age. This includes modifiable risk factors that have the potential to reduce the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease. A special section on protecting our elders from scams is also provided.

Course #31-50 | 2023 | 65 pages | 20 posttest questions