Behavioral Symptoms in Dementia and their Impact on Caregiving: Updates to the Guidelines for the Evaluation of Dementia and Age-Related Cognitive Change

This program, Part 3 of 3, provides an overview of the behavioral changes characteristic of dementia and other cognitive impairment, assessment of these behavioral changes, and the impact of dementia on family caregiver health and well-being. The presenter will discuss key approaches to maintaining a therapeutic alliance, evidence-based interventions, and key issues in working with other professions involved in the assessment and management of people with dementia and their family caregivers.

This program is part of the Updates for Clinicians: Guidelines for the Evaluation of Dementia and Age-Related Cognitive Change Series.

• Describe changes in mood, behavior, personality and social relationships that occur in individuals with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment, and relevant assessment instruments.
• Describe research findings demonstrating the effects of dementia and other cognitive impairment on family caregiver health and well-being, and appropriate measures to detect and monitor these effects.
• Describe key issues in communicating and working effectively with people with suspected cognitive impairment and their family caregivers and communicating and collaborating with healthcare and other professionals to enhance ongoing care.

William E. Haley, PhD