Category: Speaker Topics

This presentation will review common neuropsychiatric symptoms reported in clients with dementia.  A review of common pharmacologic agents used to treat these symptoms will be discussed. Tips for de-escalating someone with agitation will be reviewed and strategies to engage clients with dementia will be explored.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least two common triggers of dementia-related neuropsychiatric symptoms
2. Recall at least two pharmacologic drug classes often used for dementia-related agitation.
3. Name at least two considerations when using pharmacologic agents to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia.
4. Offer at least two non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms in clients with dementia.

The COVID-19 pandemic took our nation by surprise. The goal quickly became the protection of older adults and those with co-morbidities. There was a tension between safety and autonomy in long-term care facilities prior to this pandemic. This tension has escalated as COVID-19 mitigation has impacted standards like “Resident Rights.” This presentation will explore the balancing of the physical and mental health of our residents with their safety. 

Objectives:  

The participants will be able to:  

1. Recall the risk of a COVID-19 infection for an older adult with comorbidities 

2. Identify at least two “Resident Rights” that have been compromised during this pandemic 

3. Recall at least two risk factors for the isolation of residents from each other and their families 

Antipsychotic Stewardship 

The risks associated with antipsychotic usage in older adults is well documented. Despite the fact they are not approved for behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia, their use remains common. This presentation will review some of the risk factors associated with antipsychotic agents, the CMS regulatory requirements for clients in long term care, and some practical tips to employ antipsychotic stewardship. Finally, specific antipsychotics will be compared for their safety profiles.  

Objectives:  

Participants will be able to: 

1. Identify at least three risk factors of antipsychotics.  

2. Recall at least two regulatory considerations when using antipsychotics. 

3. State at least 3 actionable steps that can be used to promote antipsychotic stewardship 

Outline 

1. Neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia 

2. Initiating an antipsychotic agent 

3. Regulatory mandates surrounding antipsychotics 

4. Choosing an appropriate antipsychotic 

5. Reducing antipsychotics  

Individuals afflicted with dementia often suffer from dysphagia. Physical limitations, sensory changes, decline in cognition, and other issues may ultimately impact a person’s ability to consume food and fluids. This presentation will explore these issues along with interventions we can employ to promote safe eating practices.

Objectives:

The participant will be able to:

• Identify two issues that increase the risk for dysphagia
• Recall when a speech pathologist should be consulted
• Identify two adaptive equipment tools that can be used
• Identify at least two safe eating practice guidelines

This presentation explores the clinical evaluation of dementia and the cognitive assessment tools we use. Profiles of common dementias will be discussed and the associated neuropsychiatric symptoms will be addressed.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least two considerations in the clinical evaluation of dementia
2. Recall at least two cognitive assessment tools used to evaluate dementia
3. Differentiate between at least two different types of dementia

This presentation is designed to assist health care professionals as they develop care plans for clients with dementia. A review of assessment tools that could be utilized will be addressed along with a review of realistic goals and meaningful interventions. Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches will be discussed.

Objectives:

The participants will be able to identify:

1. the purpose of dementia care planning
2. at least two cognitive assessment tools for the client with dementia
3. a realistic vs. unrealistic goals for clients with dementia
4. at least three non-pharmacologic interventions
5. the role of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonist