PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The program will present an overview of the areas of the brain responsible for memory and other cognitive functions; the normal and pathological declines in cognitive functioning; the mechanisms of memory; differentiation of dementia from depression and delirium; and review various types of dementia including: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy Body, frontaltemporal dementia, and Picks Disease. A time orientation approach to behavioral management of patients with dementia will be presented.  It will discuss current research and treatment for geriatric mental health.  There will be a focus on recognizing the symptoms of depression, assessing suicidal intent, and how to interview the older adult for suicide lethality. An analysis of the unique aspects of elder substance abuse, the methods to recognize and assess addiction, and discuss the various approaches to treatment and recovery. This program is geared toward an intermediate skill level.

FACULTY: Morley Shaw, Ph.D., was the Executive and Clinical Director of Senior Horizons, a Behavioral Health Service for Seniors and served as the Chair of the Behavioral Health Committee for Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association. He has been a practicing psychologist in Montana, Colorado and Washington State since 1975.  Dr. Shaw has served as Director of Clinical Services at Fairfax Psychiatric Service Hospital, Director of Highline Evaluation and Treatment Facility (an involuntary psychiatric facility), Clinical Psychologist at the Children’s Hospital in Denver and as a Consulting Psychologist at Harborview Medical Center, University Hospital, and Overlake Medical Center in Seattle.  Dr. Shaw has an extensive background in evaluations and expert witness testimony for the involuntary commitment of patients.  Since 1994 he has been working in the field of Geropsychiatry and has been responsible for geropsychiatric services in Washington State, California and Arizona.  He has been on the Adjunct Faculty of the Gerontology Department at Arizona State University and has taught at the graduate level at Portland State University, Pacific Lutheran University, Montana State University, and Our Lady of the Lake University.  Dr. Shaw is much in demand as a speaker and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge to his presentations and he has presented extensively in the field of geropsychiatry to such groups as the Arizona Governor’s Conference on Aging, Southwest Society on Aging Conference, PartnerShips in Aging Annual Conferences, and has presented nationally for PESI HealthCare.  He has been currently working as Interim Executive Director in geropsychiatric hospitals, most recently in Colorado.

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

• discuss the significance of various areas in the brain and their role in cognitive functioning,
   

• identify the types and mechanisms of memory,
   

• discuss the causes, cognitive impairment, and neuropsychiatric symptoms of the different dementias,
   

• identify the symptoms and causes of depression in the older adult,
   

• identify the prevalence, method, warning signs, associated factors, and degree of risk of suicide in the older adult,
   

• develop an understanding of the dynamics of early and late onset alcoholism in the older adult,
   

• discuss the dynamics of prescription drug abuse in the older adult.

INTENDED AUDIENCE:  Psychologists, social workers, mental health therapists, addiction therapists, psychiatric nurses, chaplains, and other mental health professionals.

AGENDA:

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM             Registration and Introductions

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM          Brain Structure And Normal Aging vs. Pathological  Impairment
                                             Types and Mechanisms of Memory
                                             Alzheimer’s Disease

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM       Morning Break

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM       Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Other Dementias
                                            Depression, Dementia, and Delirium

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM         Lunch (on your own)

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM           Dynamics of Suicide in the Older Adult
                                           Assessment of Suicidal Intent

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM          Afternoon Break

2:45 PM - 4:30 PM          Substance Abuse in the Older Adult
                                           Assessment of Substance Abuse

4:30 PM                            Program Closing

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

AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION:

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 its content.  This program provides 6 CE credits.

ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORK BOARDS:

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.

NATIONAL BOARD FOR CERTIFIED COUNSELORS:

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.

CALIFORNIA BOARD OF REGISTERED NURSING:

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.

REGISTRATION FEES: Registration fee is $125.00.  Fee for full-time VA employees is $18.00. 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.