Dementia Types: Differentiation & Appropriate Outcome
Measures for Rehabilitation
Presented by Deb Kegelmeyer
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Rehabilitation therapists provide services to clients with a variety of cognitive disorders. With the advent of direct access and autonomous practice, it is important for therapists to be able to recognize common forms of dementia and describe the cognitive profile associated with each form of dementia. Appropriate assessment and treatment planning when working with clients with dementia requires that the therapist possess an understanding of the diagnoses included under dementia and be able to describe the cognitive areas impacted by each pathology. This course describes the different types of dementia, how therapists assess cognitive function, and the impact of dementia on functional mobility.
Meet your instructor
Deb Kegelmeyer
Dr. Kegelmeyer has more than 30 years of clinical experience and is currently a professor of health and rehabilitation sciences at The Ohio State University. She has extensive clinical expertise, having worked in acute care and outpatient therapy, and spent 10 years as director of physical therapy at a skilled nursing…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Defining Dementia, Delirium and Reversible Forms of Dementia
Rehabilitation therapists in many environments come into contact with individuals who have undiagnosed cognitive impairment. It is important that therapists be able to recognize dementia and differentiate it from delirium and other forms of reversible dementia. Recognition of these other disorders and timely referral are necessary for optimal management of the client.
2. Differentiating Types of Dementia Based on Mobility and Function
Management of clients with dementia should be individualized based on the type of dementia present and the cognitive domains impacted. Therapists must be able to recognize different forms of dementia and the symptomatology associated with each form to best design effective intervention strategies.
3. Screening for Possible Dementia
Therapists should be able to screen for cognitive impairment to make appropriate decisions regarding treatment and referral to other professionals. In addition, cognitive dysfunction impacts functional mobility. This chapter covers the selection and use of appropriate screening tools and the relation of dysfunction in specific cognitive domains to functional mobility.