Evidence-Based Strategies for Clients with Dementia

5.8 million people in the U.S. are living with dementia, and this number is expected to be 3 times greater by 2050. Thus,people with dementia will continue to be a significant part of our therapy caseloads, so it is important that we understandthe evidence of how therapy can be most beneficial to these clients. Equally important is the ongoing education for our healthcare team members and our clients' family members. Such evidence promotes the use of each client's unique characteristics, life history, functional abilities, and strength- based approaches. Clinicians who are empowered with the recommended resources and understanding of such strategies will be equipped to make a significant difference in the lives of people who are living with dementia.

This workshop will share comprehensive resources with all participants and include the application of evidence-based research for day to day practical strategies. Each segment will include hands-on approaches and interactive discussion to maximize skills for strategies that can immediately be put into practice. Participants will be able to implement such approaches with their clients at all levels, stages, and types of dementia.

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Speech-Language Pathologists

Highlights

• Cognitive, motor, and psychosocial differencesbetween different types of diseases causing dementia
• Strength-based tasks and compensatory strategies based on a person's assessed stage of dementia
• Recommended pain assessments when a person with dementia is non-verbal and is in middle or late stages of dementia
• Effective mealtime strategies for people living with dementia, who may otherwise be resistant to eating and demonstrating negative behaviors toward food and drink
• Evidence-based procedural memory-based techniques to improve a person's functional abilities, despite their challenges from progressive loss with the dementia process
• Interprofessional team approach to incorporatethe most optimal non-pharmacological strategies