This course provides an overview of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, focusing on how progressive memory loss impacts patients, families and care providers. Participants will gain an understanding of the distinctions between dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other causes of memory loss, and learn about diagnosis and current treatment options. We will discuss practical strategies for behavior management, communication, and care planning, with an emphasis on both the individual experiencing memory changes and their caregivers, addressing issues of stigma, isolation, grief, and the importance of advocacy. You will leave with practical tools and resources to enhance quality of life, promote resilience, and guide families through each stage of the illness.
After completing this training, you will be able to...
- Differentiate between Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, mild cognitive impairment, and other causes of memory loss.
- Understand the diagnostic process and be aware of current treatment options
- Apply effective communication strategies and behavioral approaches to support individuals with memory loss and their caregivers
- Recognize the unique challenges faced by family caregivers, including stress, stigma, isolation, and ambiguous loss.
- Explore practical stress management techniques for caregivers.
- Understand care planning needs appropriate to each stage of the disease.
This course will provide 1 CEU credits for social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors through the Illinois Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation!
About Your Facilitator
Melissa Tucker is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience supporting adults through life changes, chronic illness, grief, and caregiver stress. Melissa has worked extensively with people experiencing memory loss and their care partners. Melissa has founded and facilitated support groups for caregivers, people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment and young onset dementia, and has extensive experience providing training to the public and health care providers about the impact of memory loss and the experience of caregiving. Melissa is currently a psychotherapist at Blue Sky Telepsych.
