Understanding Older Minds - Issues in Geriatric Health Care

[download complete agenda and registration form]

PURPOSE

The explosive growth of older people in our society has been accompanied by a need for health care professionals, especially mental health professionals, who are familiar with the unique problems and challenges facing this population. Effective treatment in the aged requires an understanding of the interplay between the aging body, the aging brain, and psychological well being.  

The purpose of this program is to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and techniques that will enable you to deliver high-quality health treatment to your older patients. This program will provide you with the skills necessary for the complex process of assessment and intervention, including medical, psychological, environmental, and interpersonal issues, enabling you to apply this knowledge to the diagnosis and treatment of your elderly clients.

APRIL 20, 2010 • GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA
APRIL 21, 2010 • COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
APRIL 22, 2010 • MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA
APRIL 23, 2010 • CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

AGENDA

• 7:30 Registration, Sign-In, & Course Materials
• 8:00 Course begins (Morning and afternoon breaks determined by Dr. Matteson.)
  
  • Normal Aging
    
    • The Aging Body • The Aging Senses • The Aging Personality
  • Medical Problems
    
    • Pain • Strokes • Medications • Substance Abuse • Sexual Problems • Sleep
  • Delirium, Delusions, & Psychoses
    
    • Delirium • Delusions • Hypochondria & Somatization • Schizophrenia & Late Life Psychosis • Bipolar Disorder
  • Depression, Anxiety, & Suicide
    • The Extent of the Problem • Barriers to Diagnosis & Treatment • Treatments & Interventions
• 11:30 Lunch (on your own)
• 12:30 Resume
  
  • The Aging Brain
    
    • Myths of Memory • The Memory Process
  • Memory Disorders
    
    • Age Associated Memory Impairment • Mild Cognitive Impairment • Dementia
  • Dementias
    
    • Dementia Risk Factors • Types of Dementia • Reversible Dementias • Prevention & Treatment • Subcortical Dementias (Parkinson’s & Huntington’s) • Diagnosing Dementia
• 3:30 Evaluations, Adjournment, & Certificates

Learner Objectives

At the conclusion of this program, you will have the knowledge required to:• Assess the mental and emotional status of elderly clients.• Discuss the multiple effects of aging on mental health.• Differentiate between depression and dementia.• Describe treatments and interventions for behavioral and emotional difficulties.