Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and associated dementias (AD/ADRD) are crippling illnesses that mainly affect older persons. They affect thinking, memory, and functioning. Unfortunately, the consequences of these illnesses can be devastating for both the person with AD/ADRD and their families.
Additionally, in the United States, AD/ADRD affects as many as 5 million people and nearly 40% of the population aged 85 and older. Shockingly, nearly 13.2 million older Americans are projected to have AD/ADRD by 2050.
What you will learn:
- The stages of Alzheimer’s disease
- Current medical treatments for Alzheimer’s disease
- Non-pharmacological interventions
- Techniques for assisting individuals with Alzheimer’s with their activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Common behavioral challenges associated with Alzheimer’s disease
- Legal and ethical considerations when caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease
Details
Course length: 1 hour and 30 minutes. CME: 1.5
Languages: American English
Key features: Audio narration, learning activity, and post-assessment.
American Medical Compliance is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education to physicians. Our Continuing Medical Education (CME) program is committed to enhancing the knowledge, skills, and professional performance of healthcare providers to improve healthcare outcomes. Through high-quality educational activities, we aim to address the identified educational gaps to support the continuous professional development of our medical community. American Medical Compliance designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Physicians should only claim this credit for their complete participation in this activity.
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Care Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and Similar Diseases
People with AD/ADRD may require significant amounts of health care and intensive long-term services and supports — including, but not limited to:
- Management of chronic conditions
- Help taking their medication(s)
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Round-the-clock supervision and care
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Assistance with personal care activities, such as eating, bathing, and dressing
Government Support for Caregivers
Furthermore, a variety of government institutions are finding ways to help those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers different avenues of support. In addition to addressing the difficulties faced by those who have AD/ADRD and their caretakers, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is trying to find ways to prevent AD/ADRD. Likewise, to find treatments and eventually prevent Alzheimer’s disease, the National Institute on Aging spearheads clinical, behavioral, and social research initiatives within the National Institutes of Health.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are trying to put the Healthy Brain Initiative into action. As part of this effort, they are helping to monitor the impact of cognitive impairment on the public health system and to better understand how various groups view cognitive health. For individuals with dementia and caregivers, the Administration on Aging Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services Program is assisting in the development of responsive, integrated, and long-lasting service delivery systems.
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Care for Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Caregivers will frequently provide assistance with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing and bathing. These activities also may include several instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), like shopping, bill-paying, and using transportation.
Basic ADLs and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are the two categories into which the activities of daily living are divided. The skills needed to handle one’s basic physical needs, such as eating, clothing, using the restroom, transferring or walking, and personal hygiene or grooming, are known as the basic ADLs (BADL) or physical ADLs.
More difficult tasks pertaining to being able to live independently in the community are included in the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). This would cover things like handling money and prescriptions, cooking, cleaning, and laundry, among other things.
