Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias

Online Courses

Description

This is a course about Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive disease that causes physical changes in the brain and results in death of brain cells. It is a disease that can take a toll on the lives of affected individuals, as well as their families, friends, and caregivers. It also has an impact on society: The expenses of long-term care, the emotional and physical demands on the family, and the loss of wages for caregivers. People with Alzheimer’s disease need caregivers and a coordinated network of person-centered care from physicians, nurses, health and human service workers, public and private agencies, and support groups is ideal. As part of this network, you will play a key part in improving the person with dementia’s quality of life. You must really get to know who the person is as an individual; their interests, values, goals, and strengths, and what is most important to them in order to provide high-quality person-centered care.

Note: This course is also accredited by Boston University School of Medicine Continuing Medical Education/Continuing Nursing Education to provide 4 CNE and CME credit hours.  It can also be taken as part of our Behavioral Health in Aging Certificate which provides 19 CNE and CME credit hours.

*You may register for this course individually or as part of our Behavioral Health Certificate.

Learner Feedback:

“This course was very applicable to my work — I learned a great deal about the different stages and how to cope with the different stages the client is in.”

“This course was very helpful to me in my work as a care manager, I feel that I have gained knowledge about this disease and I will incorporate what I have learned into my work with our consumers.”

Success Story:  Read how this Indiana organization trained their staff with this course and other CADER programs.

Contributing Authors:

Bronwyn Keefe, PhD, MSW, MPH is the Assistant Dean of Workforce and Professional Development at Boston University School of Social Work where she is also the Director for The Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research (CADER) and The Network for Professional Education.

Amelia Paini, MSW, Program Manager for Curriculum Development, Boston University School of Social Work

Joan Ead, Eadem Writing Associates

Objectives

• Describe the process by which Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed.
• List the signs and symptoms of the various stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Describe the best ways of communicating with people who have dementia.
• Describe how the environment can be adapted to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Explain the need for psychosocial interventions and support for caregivers.