This webinar presents some of the core competencies most fundamental to understanding and managing behavioral symptoms associated with the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Practical non-pharmacologic interventions for specific behavioral symptoms will be described and the evidence for the risks and benefits of pharmacological interventions will also be reviewed. Most dementias are associated with a range of neuropsychiatric and behavioral disturbances, with as many as 80% to 90% of older adults developing at least one distressing symptom over the course of their illness. The behavioral disturbances in dementia require evaluation of the specific symptoms, including the person’s comfort, the care environment, the caregiver’s needs, and the degree of distress of all those involved in the life of the adult with dementia.
Non-pharmacologic interventions must be considered the first-line choice of treatment for all behavioral disturbances in dementia. These include caregiver education and support; person-centered use of music, physical activity, support for activities of daily living; and cognitive stimulation programs. Medication effects on behavioral disturbances in dementia tend to be modest and should be implemented only after environmental and non-pharmacologic techniques have been employed.
Featured Speakers:
◦Geri Hall, PhD, ARNP, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute
◦Beth Spencer, MA, LMSW, University of Michigan School of Social Work
◦Gregg Warshaw, MD, Professor Emeritus of Geriatric Medicine, University of Cincinnati
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