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

Outline

Spectrum of Cognitive/Memory Decline: Latest Research Spectrum of Cognitive/Memory Decline: Latest Research

• NeuroplasticityNeuroplasticity
• Reversible causesReversible causes
• Effect on Executive Function (EF)Effect on Executive Function (EF)
• Cannabis useCannabis use

Memory Loss and Cognitive Impact: Clinical ExamplesMemory Loss and Cognitive Impact: Clinical Examples

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

Cognitive Assessments: Hands on ActivitiesCognitive Assessments: Hands on Activities

• MoCAMoCA
• SLUMSSLUMS
• Trail MakingTrail Making
• MMSEMMSE
• ACLSACLS
• Stroop ColorStroop Color

Interventions for Contributing FactorsInterventions for Contributing Factors

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

Interventions for Independence and Safety IssuesInterventions for Independence and Safety Issues

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

Interventions for Managing Memory/Cognitive DeclineInterventions for Managing Memory/Cognitive Decline

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

Education and ResourcesEducation and Resources

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