Maxwell Perkins – Cognitive & Memory Decline Assessment & Intervention: Effective Techniques for Alzheimer’s, TBI, Concussion and Stroke

Outline

Cognition and Memory: Clinical Examples

• Normal vs. abnormal memory/cognitive decline
• Mild Cognitive impairments (MCI) vs. Mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
• Relationship to Executive Functions (EF)
• Frontal lobe and attention: The impact of TBI, CVA, MCI
• Delirium: The importance of identification and treatment

Cognitive & Memory Intervention For Alzheimer’s * TBI * Concussion * Stroke

Co-Morbidities/Reversible Factors Affecting Cognitive/Memory Function and How to Intervene

• Depression: Assessments, non-medication therapy, referral needs
• Sleep issues: Sleep hygiene program, environmental strategies
• Mental/physical inactivity: Cognitive stimulation activities, exercise programs/guidelines
• Vision and hearing loss: Age related impact, sharpen your observational skills
• The Hippocampus: Latest research and how to influence age related changes
• Marijuana: Use of and impact on cognition/memory

Cognitive Assessments: Hands-on Activities

• Quickly identify mild cognitive/memory changes/deficits
• Choose the best assessments to use for specific issues/areas
• Limitations and strengths of assessments used for cognitive functioning

Interventions for Managing Cognitive/Memory Decline

• Computer-based Cognitive Training: What does the evidence say?
• Spaced Retrieval: Incorporate into treatment, baseline for client education
• Compensatory strategies: Lists, calendars, skill set money management
• Physical exercise: Best type, program implementation strategies
• Communication: Effective stage appropriate strategies, environmental factors

Interventions for Independence, Mobility, Safety and other ADLS/IADLs

• Falls: Computer-based training, decrease risk, dual tasking
• Driving: Clinical assessment tools, strategies for cessation of driving, state requirements
• Medication administration: Strategies for adherence, caregiver training
• Home management: Adaptive equipment, strategies for home safety, appropriate discharge environment to assure safety and highest functional level
• Communication: Strategies for working with physicians and caregivers