Behaviors as a Form of Communication in People Living With Dementia
What You’ll Learn
Learn about the sources of behavioral symptoms for people living with dementia and how to respond to them.
Learning outcomes for this course include:
- Explain how behavioral symptoms of dementia communicate unmet needs, untreated symptoms, or other sources of distress.
- Identify patient, caregiver, and environmental factors that can lead to behavioral symptoms.
- Describe a framework for finding the root cause of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
- Describe both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic responses to behavioral symptoms.
What You’ll Earn
Only CAPC members who are logged in can earn the following free Continuing Education Credits:
- 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
- Case Management: 0.75 CE
- Nursing: 0.80 CNE
- Social Work: 1.00 CE (NYSED)
Social work credits are approved by the New York State Education Department. Social workers licensed outside of New York should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval for continuing education credits.
To take this course, log in. Or, check here to see if your organization is a member.
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Tools & Resources
Key Takeaways for Course 6 of the Best Practices in Dementia Care and Caregiver Support Unit.
Print or email this handout of caregiver resources for education and support.
Evidence-based indications, benefits, and cautions for using medication to treat the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Center to Advance Palliative Care, 2024.
Course citations. Center to Advance Palliative Care, 2024.
A journal article about a study of the effects of a nonpharmacologic intervention, Music and Memory (M&M), on residents with dementia and/or behavioral problems living in nursing homes.
Training clinicians to support people with dementia and their caregivers, and guidance for quality improvement initiatives.
Course Faculty
Dave Carper, MDiv, BCC. Counseling Resource Officer, Bluegrass Care Navigators
Constance Dahlin, MSN, ANP-BC, ACHPN, FPCN, FAAN. Consultant, Center to Advance Palliative Care
Maribeth Gallagher, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FAAN. Dementia Program Director, Hospice of the Valley
Macie P. Smith, Ed.D, LBSW, SW-G. Diversified Training Consultants Group
Eric Widera, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of California San Francisco
Peer Reviewers
Margaret Colbert, LMSW, Inpatient Social Worker, Mount Sinai West
Kesha Graham, LISW-CP, ACM-SW. Palliative Care Clinical Social Worker, Medical University of South Carolina
Sherika Newman, DO. Founding CEO, Doctor in the Family, LLC*
Caroline Taverna, LMSW, Palliative Care Social Work Fellow, Mount Sinai Beth Israel
*indicates ABIM Peer Reviewer
Contact information: For answers to frequently asked questions about CAPC courses, read the Online Course FAQ. For technical questions about course activity, email [email protected]. For questions about continuing education credits, contact 201-957-0077.
Provided by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
New
Course 1 of 8
Gain an overview of the experience of living with dementia and learn how to relieve distress for patients with dementia, and their caregivers.
New
Course 2 of 8
Learn how to discuss a dementia diagnosis with patients and caregivers in a way that is sensitive, clear, and supportive.
New
Course 3 of 8
Learn techniques for supportive communication with people living with dementia, and their caregivers, to help them prepare for the challenges they may face as dementia progresses.