Keynote Session:

Advances in Understanding, Diagnosis and Management of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementias: An Update 

1. Distinguish neurodegenerative cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias from age-related “normal” cognitive changes.
2. Identify current understanding of the complex interacting processes that lead to AD and dementia.
3. Describe, in overview, the multipronged bases and processes involved in identifying, evaluating and caring for individuals with cognitive impairment, AD and dementias – evidence-based overview and approaches.
4. Describe considerations for future/experimental treatments.

Morning Breakout Sessions:

Nonpharmacological Interventions for Managing Challenging Behaviors in Dementia  

1. Identify common behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia 
   1. Describe the importance of utilizing nonpharmacological interventions as the first course of treatment in behavioral symptoms of dementia in non-emergent situations.
   2. Explain the common theoretical models used to manage behavioral disturbances.
   3. Describe three nonpharmacological interventions for management of behavioral disturbances.

Ensuring Compassionate Palliative & End-of-Life Care for People with Dementia 

1. Describe palliative care.
2. Describe care needs of persons with advanced dementia and the role that palliative care in addressing these needs.
3. Discuss types of clinical decisions family members make for people with advanced dementia and palliative care approaches to assist decision making.

Living Well with Alzheimer’s: A Family Perspective 

1. Identify the challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia.
2. Describe the dimensions of wellness and strategies for supporting and engaging individuals living with cognitive impairment.
3. Recognize how a diagnosis of dementia impacts a person’s sense of self, engagement in the community and focus on the future. 

Afternoon Breakout Sessions:

Understanding Behavioral Changes in Dementia

1. Identify four of the different types of dementia.
   1. Describe the three stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
   2. Identify common behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
   3. Describe three nonpharmacological interventions for management of behavioral disturbances .

Clinical Topics in Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Diagnosis and Management: Advances and Practical Tips for Practitioners

1. Identify the importance of early and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
2. Identify basic & advanced clinical approaches to evaluation of cognitive impairment, AD and dementia.
3. Describe current standard of care for treatment and care of patients with cognitive impairment, AD and dementias – evidence-based review and approaches.
4. Describe future/experimental treatments under study.

Dementia Capable Caregiving & Health Advocacy for Persons with Intellectual Disability

1. Identify two unique features of neurocognitive disorders within the IDD population.
2. Identify two strategies to advance the healthcare needs of persons with IDD and dementia.
3. Identify two strategies to address the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia among persons with IDD.

Introduction to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for caregivers and professionals

1. Define mindfulness both conceptually and experientially.
2. Describe specific mindfulness practices including several attention cultivating meditations, their application within a modern Western cultural context.
3. List underlying factors associated with psychological health and wellbeing that mindfulness practices support.

Discuss Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and its potential for use with caregivers and professionals