Professional
Education
Event
CEU accredited training courses and seminars
for health professionals and care partners.
More Than Memory Loss: Understanding Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Friday, April 25, 2024 | 8:00 am – 4:30 pm CT
Location: Saint Louis University, Learning Resource Center
South Campus | 3544 Caroline Mall, St. Louis, MO 63104
Hosts: Memory Care Home Solutions & Saint Louis University School of Medicine/Gateway Geriatric Education Center
Course Description
Caring for individuals with dementia presents unique challenges, particularly in managing the complex behavioral and psychological symptoms of the disease. As advancements in pharmacological treatments emerge and the new CMS funding model pilot rolls out, the demand for dementia care expertise continues to grow. This immersive, full-day workshop equips attendees with evidence-based medical and non-medical strategies to address some of the most challenging behaviors in dementia care, including agitation, aggression, inappropriate sexual behaviors, and resistance to personal care such as bathing. Participants will gain insights from a multidisciplinary team of experts in geriatric medicine, occupational therapy, and dementia care services, along with invaluable perspectives from family care partners who navigate these challenges daily.
Designed for healthcare professionals across disciplines and family care partners, this course provides practical tools to enhance care quality and support the dignity of individuals living with dementia.
Objectives
- Explore pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to reduce or manage disruptive behaviors during everyday tasks, enhancing care quality and safety.
- Develop evidence-based communication techniques to effectively support individuals with dementia exhibiting challenging behaviors and symptoms.
- Identify and analyze environmental and contextual factors that contribute to or trigger behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
- Practice verbal and non-verbal engagement strategies to promote cooperation and reduce distress during challenging interactions in dementia care.
Speakers Include:
Dr. David Carr, MD, Section Head, Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Washington University of St. Louis School of Medicine
Dr. Carr will provide an update on the pharmacological approaches to managing behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia.
Melissa Smith, MSOT, OTR/L, Director of Programs, and Makenzie Jones, BSW Dementia Navigator at Memory Care Home Solutions.
Melissa Smith and Mackenzie Jones will provide an overview of typical causes of catastrophic behaviors for people living with dementia and their care partners.
Ann Marie Mohr, Executive Director Project Present
Jill Cigliana, MSOT, OTR/L, Executive Director at Memory Care Home Solutions & Chair of AOTA Dementia Community of Practice
Jill Cigliana will lead a panel discussion on real-life, in-home caregiver experiences, from family care partners who support loved ones with dementia on a daily basis.