Course Description:

1.The participants will develop a working knowledge about Dementia: Introduction to Dementia: What is dementia. Current theories about the causes of dementia. Will every dementia diagnosis lead to Alzheimer’s Disease.

2. The participants will become familiar with and can utilize various cognitive assessment screens to determine the cognitive level of patients: Present various methods to assess cognitive levels. Compare and contrast the methods to show correlation between them. Methods considered to include: BCAT, Allen Cognitive Method, FAST Scale, MMS, GDS.
3.The therapist will be able to accurately perform an evaluation, differentiate between physical declines and cognitive declines with regard to function and develop a treatment plan / goals based on both physical and cognitive (dis)abilities.


4. Design and revise evidence based skilled tx options / strategies for facilitating successful therapeutic encounters and interactions with patients and their caregivers with dementia. Incorporate meaningful functional activities while keeping in mind cognitive stages of the patient. Discuss the need for adaptations/modifications to the environment for safety and to facilitate maximal participation and decrease excess disability.