Website for support, information on clinical trials and research, and education for the professional. 24-hour helpline available.
Healthcare Professionals
Websites of Interest
Practice Guidelines for Clinicians
Professional Development and Continuing Education in Geriatric Care, including online Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Training.
Organization which provides training for those seeking accreditation as a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), or other education geared towards dementia specialty training for front line professionals, first responders, and residential care managers.
US Dept of Health and Human Services website to support professionals, caregivers, and patients. A number of resources including information on clinical trials and helpful information to guide care
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing “Try This: Series, Assessment Tools for Best Practices of Care for Older Adults.” Topics include assessing and managing delirium in persons with Dementia; assessing pain in older adults with Dementia; decision-making, communication difficulties and more.
On January 4, 2011, the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) (Public Law 111-375) was signed into law. The Act defines “Alzheimer’s” as Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD) and requires the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the National Alzheimer’s Project
Warning Signs of Dementia
1
The professional will likely experience someone who may be causing concern. The concerns may not be noticeable to the individual and the family may have some limitations in their understanding as well.
2
Early detection is important to ensure the proper education and support can be addressed, as well as planning for care.
3
It is important to rely upon an informant when possible and refer to medical providers for a thorough evaluation if there are concerns. Medical providers such as Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, or Physician Assistants will complete a medical evaluation to help determine the potential cause of the concerns.
4
Learn about the warning signs: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alzheimer’s Association have created the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018-2023 Road Map. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/healthybrain/ten-warning-signs.html
What next? Early Detection & Screening
Cognitive Screening, Memory Tests and other Tools, Standardized tests used for detecting problems with memory, judgment and orientation. Can be performed by experienced and trained professionals such as nurses, therapists, social workers or life care managers.
MCAS Minnesota Cognitive Acuity Screen and modified version MCAS-m, used telephonically
Medical Evaluation “Rule Out” other causes or “pseudo-Dementias”
Physicians and Prescribers
Practice guidelines are available to address detection, diagnosis and access to resources, including CMEs for medical providers, and provider reimbursement for assessment and care planning https://www.alz.org/professionals/health-systems-clinicians/guidelines_index_(1)
- CPT billable code for capturing reimbursement aimed at
- Early detection and evaluation
- Care Planning
Collaboration in the Community
Healthcare providers will find greater success when working collaboratively to assist individuals and families through their journey from diagnosis to end of life. Some of the professionals involved in caring for those with Dementia include:
- Aging Services
- Adult Protective Services
- Home Health
- Life Care Managers/Geriatric Care Managers
- Financial Advisors
- Elder Law Attorneys