PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Join us in beautiful Sedona, Arizona, for the “12^th Annual Sedona Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease”.  The program will begin with the hospice physician's perspective of the delayed recognition by families that Alzheimer's disease is a life-limiting condition. This lack of recognition results in delayed hospice referral. An earlier referral could help family in understanding the final phase of the disease process, help the family to overcome the emotional hurdles, at this stage, when doing less is best, less ER visits, less repeat hospitalizations and the avoidance of futile forced artificial attempts at nourishment. 

With increased recognition of changes in memory and thinking associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), more people are being diagnosed in the early stage of the illness. AD is as a chronic condition that averages 8-10 years following diagnosis; therefore people with early stage AD have the opportunity to learn how to manage their disease, emotions, relationships and plan for the future.  This segment will provide a unique look at early stage issues, people living with early AD; and a program model to help people live successfully with AD.

This presentation will provide the latest information about current treatments for Alzheimer's disease.  It will cover innovative diagnostic techniques, and new criteria for a diagnosis. There will be discussion about the possibilities for future treatment of Alzheimer’s--that are in the process of being developed.

Patient’s with Dementia are more likely to suffer from complications in the unfamiliar environment of the Hospital. This talk is aimed at providing an insight into the recognition, management and risks associated with the hospitalized patient suffering from dementia.

FACULTY:

Frank Nagy, MD, is currently a hospice physician with Prescott Hospice Family Care.  He has 30 years of experience in nursing home care, and was Medical Director of Kachina Point Nursing Facility for 24 years. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine & Certified Medical Director in longterm care. Dr. Nagy is a 1969 Graduate of McGill University Medical School of Montreal, Canada.  He served as a Colonel in the US Army Reserves for eleven years and is a veteran of Gulf War-I.

Jan Dougherty, RN, MS, is the Family and Community Services Director at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, where she is responsible for setting a new standard of care for patients with dementia and their families through the development and implementation of innovative programs.  Ms. Dougherty has extensive experience in dementia care. She has developed many pioneering programs being used in Arizona and nationally.  Most recently, she has been creating new programs to support individuals with mild dementia such as Arts Engagement Program, Early Stage Therapy and Support Group, Yoga and Musical Memories. Ms. Doughety is a noted speaker locally and nationally on topics of both frail elder care and dementia care.  She has published a number of articles and chapters in gerontological and dementia care journals.  Jan is involved in a number of professional organizations and is currently president for the Arizona Geriatrics Society. She was named “Gerontologist of the Year” in 2003 by the Arizona Geriatrics Society and received the “Caring Spirit Award” in 2005 from the Area Agency on Aging, Region One.  The Dementia Program created by Jan received the “Vision Award” in 2006 by Hospice of the Valley.  Ms. Dougherty was a finalist for the nursing “Health Care Heroes” award in 2009.  She recently was recognized by the Global Caring Nursing Foundation with as a “Forces of Change” honoree.

Marwan Sabbagh, MD, is the Research Medical Director of Banner Sun Health Research Institute. Dr. Sabbagh has dedicated his entire career to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases.  He is a Board-certified neurologist; and he is a leading investigator for many prominent national Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment trials, including Alzheimer vaccine studies.  He is associate editor for the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease and Clinical Neurology News, and has authored and co-authored more than 90 medical and scientific articles on Alzheimer’s research.  Dr. Sabbagh has published one book, “The Alzheimer’s Answer” with the book’s forward written by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.  He is associate director of the Arizona Alzheimer’s Disease Core Center, a clinical instructor in the Sun Health/St. Joseph’s Geriatric Fellowship Program, and a visiting scientist in the Department of Neurology at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale.  He also is an adjunct professor at Midwestern University and Arizona State University.

Akash S. Taggarse, MD, in addition to being an hospitalist at the Southern Arizoan VA Health Care System, is an Associate Professor in the University of Arizona in the Section of Geriatrics. He has a special interest in the hospitalized geriatric patient. Dr. Taggarse was trained in Geriatrics at the University of Maryland at Baltimore. He has practiced Geriatrics in various settings and has been a strong proponent for educating healthcare workers in various environments, about to recognize and manage the special needs of hospitalized patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

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

• identify the clinical features of end-stage terminal Alzheimer's disease,

• discuss the emotional, existential stresses on families as they face the decisions to halt further futile interventions,

• discuss the barriers to hospice referral, late referral, or panic hand-off referrals in the last hours of the suffering Alzheimer's / dementia patient’s life.

• describe common features of early stage AD,

• outline challenges and solutions for people living with early stage AD,

• illuminate the self care tasks required in managing a chronic condition like AD,

• summarize the benefits of self-care strategies for people living with early stage AD,

• discuss current diagnosis issues for AD, 

• identify new diagnostic technologies and criteria,

• utilize current treatments for care of AD patients,

• discuss future treatments in development,

• recognize the  risks associated with hospitalization of  patients with dementia,

• discuss the excessive burden that these risks place upon the hospitalized patient,

• identify the various approaches to optimal management for the hospitalized patient.

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:  When Alzheimer's Disease Becomes Terminal
                                             Presenter: Frank Nagy, MD

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM        Morning Break

10:15 AM - 11:45 AM        Topic:  “I’m Still Me” – Living with Early Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
                                             Presenter: Jan Dougherty, RN, MS

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

1:15 PM - 2:45 PM            Topic:  Latest in Research and Medications in Treatment of Alzheimer’s
                                             Presenter:  Marwan Sabbagh, MD

2:45 PM - 3:00 PM            Afternoon Break

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM            Topic:  Hospitalized Patient with Alzheimer’s and Delirium
                                             Presenter:  Akash Taggarse, MD

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: 4/7/2010 - 4/7/2013. 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 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.