Hours: 3 Approvals: ARF, RCFE, APPROVED ALZHEIMER'S DEMENTIA
Course Summary
As dementia progresses, changes in brain structure and function often lead to challenging behaviors. These behaviors may range from problematic or socially inappropriate to aggressive and, at times, unsafe for the individual with dementia and those around them. Understanding these behaviors is essential for providing effective, compassionate, and safe care.
This course provides an in-depth examination of behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, including their neurological, psychological, environmental, and unmet-need contributors. Emphasis is placed on empathic understanding of behavior as communication and on the use of person-centered, non-pharmacological strategies as the first line of intervention.
Participants will explore common dementia-related behaviors such as wandering (walking about or purposeful movement), rummaging, agitation, aggression, hallucinations, delusions, apathy, and depression. Through practical examples and evidence-based frameworks, the course equips administrators and direct care staff with tools to distinguish between actual and perceived behavior problems, reduce risk, support dignity, and improve quality of life for individuals living with dementia.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Identify common behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
Explain underlying causes of behavioral changes, including unmet needs, environmental factors, and disease progression
Distinguish between actual behavioral risks and behaviors perceived as problematic by caregivers or systems
Apply effective, person-centered strategies to manage difficult behaviors while maintaining dignity and safety
Demonstrate familiarity with person-centered behavior management principles and techniques
Differentiate between behavior excesses and behavior deficits and implement appropriate management approaches for each
