Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias: Symptoms, Stages, and Communication Strategies Expanded

Course overview

The purpose of this course is to provide healthcare workers with a deeper understanding of how to care for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or another dementia. Learners can be the providers of direct care, staff in the community, at home, or in a residential environment. Lessons address symptoms and causes of AD, insight into other types of dementia, methods of diagnosis, cognitive and behavioral aspects of the disease, and ethical issues. There will be a review of disease symptoms, behavioral changes, and activities and environmental modifications that can be implemented and modified to improve care for the patient while providing support to the caregiver. Understanding the caregiver role in the life of an AD and/or dementia patient will be explored, as will medical treatment, research, and patient interaction. Disease (symptom) management will be expounded upon, with insight into stress management tools to provide support for the unique situations that can compound the lives of those affected. Standard care approaches for patients with AD and/or other dementia is reliant upon ethical care, a theme that will be present throughout the course.