Course
Differentiating Cognitive Aging and Dementia
Contact Hours Awarded: 1.5
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Course Overview
Author: Amy Lynn White
CNO, MSN
Many times, individuals, family members, and healthcare workers fail to understand the relationship of neurological symptoms as they are related to dementia. It can be rather difficult to differentiate cognitive aging such as memory loss versus early signs of dementia which may require further diagnosing and treatment. Many of us tend to become more forgetful as we age, become distracted more easily, or have issues with multi-tasking. Even though these changes are normal and typically occur during middle age, they can very well become a nuisance and even frustrating at times. But how can one know that these are normal signs of cognitive aging and are not an early symptom nor a determinant of dementia? As a healthcare provider, it is important to understand the differences of cognitive aging versus dementia so a diagnosis can be accurate and efficient.
With an increasing number of age-related illnesses, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between dementia and normal cognitive aging, as well as verifying the proper treatment for family members and nurses who are caring for this population. However, the differences must be made clear, so proper understanding, treatment options, and medical interventions can be made accurately.
Course Outline
- Introduction
- Justification of Knowledge
- What is Dementia versus Cognitive Aging Memory Loss?
- Common Types of Dementia
- Neurological Determinants Noted in Individuals with Dementia
- Treatments and Interventions for Nurses and Caregivers
- Comparison of Dementia Behaviors
- Case Studies
- Moving Forward: The Future of Individuals with Dementia
- References
Accreditation Statement
Nursing CE Central is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
In this course we will discuss the various differences between normal cognitive aging and dementia. It will take the average learner 90 minutes to complete.
Course Objectives
After completing this course, the learner will be able to:
- Understand the unique differences between dementia and normal cognitive aging.
- Determine the common types of dementia and what specific neurological determinants are noted in individuals with dementia.
- Evaluate the most effective means of treatment and interventions for nurses and caregivers to provide care.
- Understand the future of individuals with dementia.
Target Audience
- Registered Nurses (RN)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN/LVN)
Requirement for Completion
- Enrollment in the course by the learner
- Read and learn all course materials
- Complete the course evaluation
- Attest and testify learning of the course materials
Accreditations + Approvals
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) (P0614)
- California Board of Registered Nursing (CEP 17418)
- Kentucky Board of Nursing (7-0090)
- Louisiana State Board of Nursing (58)
- New York State Department of Education (IC 208)
- Florida Board of Nursing (50-23983)
Conflict of Interest Statement
Nursing CE Central nor any of the authors, planners, content experts or any contributors have a commercial interest nor were influenced by commercial interests in the creation of this course, financially or otherwise.
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Course Expires on: August 10, 2024
Course Offering: #118