Alzheimer's Module 7: Tools for Primary Care Providers: What Providers Ask about Diagnosing and Treating Dementia - Activity ID 3681

This course focuses on the common concerns and questions expressed by clinicians about dementia and cognitive impairment. Practitioners will learn more about making the initial observation of cognitive decline and beginning a conversation with older adult patients, overcoming common barriers to making a definitive diagnosis of dementia, and managing the ongoing clinical needs of patients experiencing dementia. Experienced clinicians engage in conversation on how they handle delicate and difficult conversations with patients and their family members. Program participants will become knowledgeable of warning signs of dementia, gain proficiency in screening and evaluating adults for cognitive deficits, confidently disclose a diagnosis of dementia, and communicate next steps to patients and family caregivers, including safety issues, medications, and community resources.

Learning Outcome Statement: 80% of learners will demonstrate increased knowledge of appropriate diagnosis, disclosure, and care for patients with dementia by scoring 80% or higher on the post test.

To obtain credit and a certificate of completion, learners will score 80% or higher on a post-test and complete a program evaluation.

Learning Objectives apply to all professions.

1. Demonstrate an ability to begin a conversation with older adult patients on cognitive decline and potential dementia.
2. Effectively summarize to patients and care partners the basis for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia.
3. Recommend the most important next steps for families, including the value of addressing safety, financial and legal issues, and community resources.
4. Demonstrate effective communication skills including compassion and empathy.

Disclaimer
The information and guidelines contained in this activity are generalized and may not apply to all practice situations. We recommend that legal advice be obtained from a qualified attorney for specific application to your practice. The information is intended for educational purposes and should be used as a reference guide only.

State Requirements for Continuing Education
Please see your state licensing organization for continuing education requirements for your profession and specialty.

Accessibility
The Doctors Company is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, goods, and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008. If you have needs that require special accommodation, please contact the program coordinator or our CPE Coordinator.

The Doctors Company adheres to ACCME Criteria, Standards and Policies regarding industry support of continuing medical education. Disclosure of faculty and their commercial relationships will be made prior to the activity.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships