Maxwell Perkins – Cognitive & Memory Decline in the Aging Brain: Effective Assessment & Intervention

Outline

Spectrum of Cognitive/Memory Decline: Latest Research

• Neuroplasticity
• Reversible causes
• Effect on Executive Function (EF)
• Cannabis use

Memory Loss and Cognitive Impact: Clinical Examples

• Normal memory/cognitive decline
• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
• Mild Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
• Moderate AD
• Severe AD
• Relationship to EF

Cognitive Assessments: Hands on Activities

• MoCA
• SLUMS
• Trail Making
• MMSE
• ACLS
• Stroop Color

Interventions for Contributing Factors

• Depression and suicide: Assessments, referral needs, non-medication therapy
• Sleep issues: Sleep log, sleep hygiene program, environmental strategies
• Mental and physical inactivity: Brain stimulation activities, exercise programs/guidelines
• Vision and hearing loss: Sharpen your observational skills, referral needs, lighting strategies

Interventions for Independence and Safety Issues

• Falls: Computer-based training, decrease risk, increase reaction time, home safety checklist
• Driving: Assessment tools, strategies for cessation of driving, state requirements
• Medication: Self-medication management assessment tool, self-strategies for adherence, caregiver training
• Home Management: Adaptive equipment, strategies for home safety, appropriate discharge environment
• Communication: Strategies for working with caregivers and physicians

Interventions for Managing Memory/Cognitive Decline

• Physical Exercise: Best type, program implementation, shoes
• Communication: Creating stage appropriate handouts
• Computer-based Cognitive Training: Use and evidence-based outcomes
• Spaced Retrieval: Incorporating into treatment, baseline for patient education
• Compensatory Strategies: Lists, calendars, skill set money management

Education and Resources

• Caregiver: Burnout, support systems, community services
• Medicare Guidelines: Documentation requirements, assessment facts
• Web resources: Support groups