PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Join us in beautiful Sedona, Arizona, for the “11^th Annual Sedona Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease”. 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Join us in beautiful Sedona, Arizona, for the “11^th Annual Sedona Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease”.  The program will begin with an exploration of the often close relationship between depression and dementia, focusing on some of the subtle ways to separate and treat these diseases.  Competent and confident assessment and treatment plans can enhance quality of life for persons dealing with these sometimes devastating conditions.  Medical and behavioral interventions can have a significant impact on these chronic illnesses, but what therapies are proven to work, and what are the risks involved with treatment?  What is the long term outlook for someone dealing with both depression and dementia?  How can caregivers and loved ones be "on the lookout" for overlapping depression and memory loss?  This session will use the latest research information in an interactive way, to better understand this common "Diagnostic Duo" and address these questions.  Assessment of patient and family goals with advanced illness will also be discussed.

This second segment of the program will discuss the three most common forms of dementia in order to better understand their unique behavioral presentations. The numerous precipitants to common types of behaviors will be described to help explain what factors increase behavioral complications in the person with dementia. Participants will learn effective interventions to assist in managing challenging behavioral symptoms. The culture of care giving will be explored, and there will be a review of appropriate techniques to support the caregiver.

The third segment of the program will cover a multi-generational perspective on dementias issues. Daily, families are reeling from the news that someone close to them has been diagnosed with Dementia; the most common form being Alzheimer’s. Usually the dementia disease process began long before the official diagnosis was pronounced, with family already attempting to manage the exhibited cognitive and behavioral changes in the individual.  This segment of the program will explore the obvious and subtle effects the disease progression has on family members. It will review these effects from a young person’s developmental perspective; while also focusing on family dynamics, decisions for treatment, and resource availability.

This final segment of the program will cover issues related to defining dementia, including differential diagnosis. It will describe the task of “teasing-out” the difference between Alzheimer’s, neuro-vascular dementia, fronto-temperal dementia, and pseudo-dementia. There will be discussion of how to determine what “domains” need to be assessed, depending upon the stages of progression of these dementias. It will address the role of the “mini-mental status exam” (MMSE); the role of the comprehensive neuropsychological examination in assessing the Alzheimer’s patient; and the role of the neuro-psychologist in the overall assessment process.

FACULTY:

Sam Downing, M.D. has been Medical Director for Northland Cares HIV clinic since 2003.  He is currently Medical Director of Prescott Valley Samaritan Center and The Good Samaritan Society, Prescott Home Health and Hospice Program.  Dr. Downing was in private practice family medicine in Prescott, Arizona from 1989-1997.  He is a founding Board member of the Community Partnership for Comfort Care, and a member since 1999.  He is Board Certified in Family Medicine (2009),  Hospice and Palliative Care (2006), and certified by the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) (2007).  He received his medical degree from the University of Colorado in 1985, and completed his residency in Family Practice at Phoenix Baptist Hospital in 1988.

Lori N. Waldberg, LCSW, graduated from Loyola University with a degree in Clinical Social Work.  She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and has spent more than fourteen years specializing in working with adult and geriatric clients who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, and substance abuse problems.  Ms. Waldberg is a certified Crisis Prevention Intervention trainer who teaches verbal and physical intervention techniques in managing verbally and physically aggressive and agitated behavior at facilities throughout the Phoenix area.  In addition, she provides training to caregivers and professionals on topics relating to mental health and behavioral issues in the older adults.  Ms. Waldberg is the Chair of the Regional Leadership Council of the Central Arizona Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and a Board Member of the AZ Geriatrics Society, as well as an active member of various other community committees serving the greater needs of seniors.

Mitchell Gelber, Ed.D., P.C., is a licensed psychologist serving the quad-city and Sedona areas.  He is the attending psychologist for several skilled nursing facilities in Northern Arizona providing direct care assessments & staff development / training programs.  Dr. Gelber founded the Youth Outreach Program in 1999.  This outreach program is dedicated to teaching younger generations about Alzheimer's disease and has grown in scope to serving a number of communities of Northern Arizona.  He served six years on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, was a former Board Member of the Northern Arizona Region of the Alzheimer's Association and remains active in working with the geriatric and Dementia population through his out-patient and consulting practice.  

Kevin P. O'Brien, Ph.D., ABPP-Cn, is a Diplomate in clinical neuropsychology and founding member of Arizona Neuropsychology, in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he specializes in the neuro-cognitive and emotional assessment; and provides treatment to clients with neurological disorders, neurovascular disease, and acquired brain injury. Dr. O’Brien also provides psychotherapeutic and psycho-educational services for neurological patients and their families. He conducts evaluations that address specific legal issues for the elderly, such as the need for a guardian or conservator. Dr. O’Brien is currently on staff at Scottsdale Healthcare-Osborn. He is an adjunct faculty at Arizona State University, and a member of the of the Arizona Alzheimer’s Association-Desert Chapter.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

• understand the common overlap of two chronic illnesses: depression and dementia,

• distinguish features of depression in the setting of progressive dementing illness,

• develop a treatment plan for persons dealing with both depression and dementia that includes both medical and behavioral interventions,

• describe the clinical presentation of the three most common types of dementia,

• understand the common causes for behavioral disturbances in dementia,

• discuss appropriate approaches to effectively manage behaviors,

• explore the culture of care giving and describe three appropriate approaches in providing support, including encountering resistance,

• utilize effective strategies for helping younger family members cope with the disease progression,

• discuss the changing dynamics that occur in a two or three generation family when the disease process is present,

• assist family members in having a broader understanding and knowledge base from which to consider in-home and out-of-home treatment options,

• identify resources and treatment options for the designated patient and family members, 

• discuss the difference between Alzheimer’s, neuro-vascular dementia, fronto-temperal dementia,

• discuss neuro-vascular dementia as the primary illness, or when co-existing with Alzheimer’s,

• discuss the role of the neuro-psychologist in assessing the Alzheimer’s patient, and when the MMSE is not enough for accurate assessment.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: physicians, psychologists, nurses, social workers, licensed professional counselors, and all healthcare providers who work with Alzheimer’s patients.

AGENDA:

8:00 AM -  8:30 AM          Registration and Continental Breakfast
                                            Introductions: Wayne Sisson, MA
                                            Moderator: Ferenc “Frank”  Nagy, MD

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM         Topic:  Forgettable Feelings: Dealing with Depression and Dementia
                                            Presenter: Sam Downing, MD

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM       Morning Break

10:15 AM - 11:45 AM       Topic: Non-Pharmacological Approaches for Managing Dementias
                                            Presenter: Lori N. Waldberg, LCSW

11:45 PM -  1:15 PM        Lunch (on your own)

1:15 PM -  2:45 PM          Topic: A Multi-Generational Perspective On Dementias
                                            Presenter:  Mitch Gelber, Ed.D

2:45 PM -  3:00 PM          Afternoon Break

3:00 PM -  4:30 PM          Topic:  Cognitive Assessments for Dementias and Alzheimer’s Disease
                                            Presenter:  Kevin P. O'Brien Ph.D. ABPP-Cn

4:30 PM                             Program Closing

CONTINUING EDUCATION: The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) certifies this program for 6 contact hours.  A certificate of attendance will be awarded. 

[ CME ]  --  The VA Employee Education System is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.  The VA Employee Education System designates this educational activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ^TM.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

[ CNE ] -- The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider # CEP 11270.  This program is approved for 6 contact hours.

[ APA ] -- The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. SEC maintains responsibility for the program and all of its content.  This program provides 6 CE credits.

[ ASWB ] -- VA Employee Education System, Provider Number 1040, is approved as a provider for continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards 400 South Ridge Parkway, Suite B, Culpeper, VA 22701. www.aswb.org. ASWB Approval Period: 4/7/07 - 4/1/10. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval. Social workers will receive 6 continuing education clock hours in participating in this course.

[ NBCC ] – The VA Employee Education System is approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to offer continuing education accreditation for National Certified and Licensed Counselors.  We adhere to NBCC Continuing Education Guidelines.  This program is approved for 6 contact hours.  Provider #5927.

REGISTRATION: Registration fee is $90.00. Fee for Kachina Point and Sedona Winds employees is $50.00. Fee for full-time VA employees is $32.00. Includes continental breakfast, break refreshments, and course material. Credit card registrations may be faxed to (928) 776-6137.  Registration is not complete until payment is received.  Space is limited.  Please register early.  Refunds, minus a $15.00 processing fee, will be made until three days prior to the program.  No refunds will be made after this date. There will a $20.00 processing fee for any returned checks. 

Confirmation letters will not be sent.