Dementia and Capacity for Learning in Rehabilitation Sciences

Presented by Carrie Ciro

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Video Runtime: 69 Minutes; Learning Assessment Runtime: 40 Minutes

In this course, the participant will receive an overview of dementia. Dr. Carrie Ciro provides information distinguishing differential diagnoses and testing to confirm dementia. The clinical presentation, prognosis and course of various forms of dementia are also reviewed. Neuroplasticity is defined and the potential for functional improvement via rehabilitation intervention is introduced. Finally, the course highlights the evidence between cognitive training and task-oriented training in improving function in daily life skills.

Meet your instructor

Carrie Ciro

Dr. Carrie Ciro is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Oklahoma. She has over 20 years of clinical experience working with adults/older adults in a variety of settings, including skilled nursing, home health, and hospital care. Additionally, she has 20 years of…

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Chapters & learning objectives

What Is and What Is Not Dementia

1. What Is and What Is Not Dementia

In the first chapter of this course, Dr. Carrie Ciro defines dementia and introduces differential diagnoses for the participant to consider when diagnosing dementia. She demonstrates the use of the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), the most widespread scale used to screen for and classify severity of dementia.

Types of Dementia and Medical Management

2. Types of Dementia and Medical Management

In this chapter, the participant will learn to differentiate common types of dementia by trajectory of disease and imaging that can help delineate type. Dr. Ciro also reviews the different medications used in the treatment of dementia.

Neuroplasticity in Dementia: Is It Possible?

3. Neuroplasticity in Dementia: Is It Possible?

Dr. Ciro defines neuroplasticity and discusses how neuroplasticity is facilitated in non-dementia populations. The participant will consider examples of emerging evidence for neuroplasticity in dementia.

Training to Cognitive Strengths of People with Dementia

4. Training to Cognitive Strengths of People with Dementia

This chapter contrasts the differences between skills needed for new learning (declarative memory) and retraining previously performed tasks (procedural memory). Dr. Ciro compares and contrasts methods and evidence for task-oriented training and cognitive training (computer games, crossword puzzles). The participant will also learn appropriate timing for intervention for rehabilitation.