Fundamentals of Alzheimer’s Disease for Healthcare Providers

This course is intended to equip healthcare providers with essential knowledge about Alzheimer’s Disease and cognitive decline. The population is aging, and these diagnoses are growing more common. Nurses need to know the risk factors, presentation, and diagnostic criteria of Alzheimer’s Disease so that they can support their patients across care arenas. Pharmacotherapy, communication strategies, non-drug interventions for behavior support and care planning strategies will also be discussed. By the completion of the course, the learner will demonstrate knowledge of Alzheimer’s Disease and cognitive decline by passing a post-test with a score ≥ 80%. The course is based on current empirical research and best-known evidence-based practices. 

This course is appropriate for:

• Registered Nurses
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
• Midwives
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Certified Nursing Assistants
• Physicians (MD and DO)
• Physicians Assistants
• Social Works
• Dentists
• Other Dental Health Professionals
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical therapists
• Speech Language Pathologists
• Others who work in the healthcare field with patients.

At the completion of this activity, healthcare professionals will be able to: 

1. Explain the difference between Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and cognitive decline 
2. Identify risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia 
3. Differentiate early, middle, and late-stage presentation associated with dementia 
4. Describe types of pharmacology available for Alzheimer’s disease management 
5. Choose appropriate non-drug interventions to support behavioral and communication concerns 

At the completion of this activity, assistants, aids, support staff, and pharmacy technicians will be able to: 

1. Describe the presentation of individuals with dementia 
2. Identify communication strategies appropriate for working with people with dementia