DCPA Training

DCPA's Series 2 DVD set consists of a ten-part training program designed for license-level health care professionals, such as physicians, psychologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, and administrators. This sophisticated medical review is ideally suited for any professional with an interest in brain function and disease pathology.

Presented in a practical and user-friendly fashion, Series 2 builds on information presented in Series 1. It provides more advanced information about the brain, dementia symptoms and behavioral challenges, and other forms of dementia in addition to Alzheimer's disease.

An accompanying CD-ROM includes a comprehensive handbook, as well as test instructions, questions and answers

Successful completion of Series 1 and Series 2 leads to qualification as an AFA Qualified Dementia Care Specialist.

Series 2 addresses these topics:

• Understanding the Aging Mind - This program provides essential background information on aging and the human brain. It explains the demographics of aging and healthcare utilization in the United States, differences between normal and abnormal aging, and ways for people to maximize successful brain health as they become older.
  
  
• Basic Brain Function - This program gives an understanding of basic cognitive functions by outlining key neural systems that manage memory, language, motor skills and other critical cognitive functions. It discusses brain development, neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, and the functional distinction between neurons and synapses.
  
  
• Common Neuropsychiatric Disorders in the Elderly - This program emphasizes the distinct differences between dementia, depression and delirium. Further, it discusses the symptoms, assessment and interactions of these conditions in the older adult.
  
  
• Basic Evaluation of Individuals with Dementia - This program outlines the differential diagnosis for confusion in older persons and the basic assessment strategies to identify the cause of intellectual impairment. It describes general, physical and neurological assessments, as well as the importance of a thorough clinical history, laboratory tests, brain imaging instruments, follow-up assessments and family education.
  
  
• Cognitive Symptoms of Dementia - This program reviews the progression of intellectual decline associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Information ranges from early loss of key intellectual functions, such as memory and language, to the deterioration of essential functional abilities, such as walking, talking, chewing and swallowing. It also describes amnesia, agnosia, apraxia and aphasia.
  
  
• Psychiatric Symptoms of Dementia - This program explores the psychiatric complications that typically result from all types of dementia. It includes explanations of hallucinations and delusions based on the specific brain regions damaged by disease, as well as the management of aggressive behavior.
  
  
• Behavioral Problems Associated with Dementia - This program reviews the numerous behavioral challenges of dementia. It details the symptoms and frequency of these common problems, distinguishes between behaviors caused by cognitive loss and psychiatric symptoms, provides behavioral intervention techniques, and discusses psychiatric medications.
  
  
• End of Life Care - This program describes the common cognitive and psychiatric symptoms present in end-stage dementia, explains the management of weight loss, pain and falls, and addresses feeding tubes, resuscitation and other end-of-life issues for persons with advanced dementia.
  
  
• Vascular Dementia and Diffuse Lewy Body Disease – This program explains the epidemiology of stroke and vascular damage to the brain, as well as the differences between vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It also presents definitions and descriptions of symptoms for Diffuse Lewy Body Disease. The discussion includes an understanding of simultaneous disease processes, such as mixed dementia with Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body changes.
  
  
• Other Forms of Dementia:Fronto-Temporal Dementia, Alcoholic Dementia, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease - This program provides insight into other types of dementia in addition to Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia in persons aged 65 and older. It details the distinctive clinical, pathological and biological differences between the main types of dementia that affect individuals aged 50 and older.

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Alzheimer's Foundation of America  866.AFA.8484 www.alzfdn.org