Pseudo-Dementia vs. True Dementia : A Comprehensive Approach to Assessment and Care

2.5 CE credits
Presenter: Jennifer Reeder, LCSW
Location: Inspir Carnegie Hill
1802 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10128

Course Description: Studies have shown that many older adults with untreated depression can develop cognitive deficits very similar to dementia. This condition was given the term “pseudo-dementia” by Professor Leslie Kiloh in 1961. Further research has indicated that depression, especially untreated, is a risk factor for dementia since depression can present with other risk factors such as PTSD, social isolation and substance misuse. This type of overlap and similarity in cognitive symptoms can cause great difficulty in providing an accurate diagnosis. Yet as stated by Kiloh, “every time the diagnosis of dementia is being considered, the possibility of depression is worth bearing in mind.” It is imperative that we treat the person, not only their illness, which includes thorough assessments of symptoms and their social determinants of health. This 2-hour workshop will compare cognitive symptoms and diagnoses through case vignettes, identify the potential consequences for older adults receiving an inaccurate diagnosis, and explore comprehensive approaches that healthcare professionals can utilize to support the individual. This workshop is fully interactive. Attendees may ask and answer questions throughout the presentation and participate in instructor-led discussions.

From this workshop you will be able to:

1. Define the prevalence of depression and death by suicide among older adults.
2. Compare similar cognitive impairments among older adults with major depressive disorder and those living with dementia.
3. Utilize comprehensive approaches that identify the person’s diagnosis as well as their social determinants of health. 

Agenda
5:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Dinner provided
5:30 pm – 5:50 pm – Brief presentations from our sponsors
5:50 pm – 8:00 pm – Workshop

Hosted by

Sponsors

Registration for this event is at capacity. If you are interested in joining the waitlist, please contact Jennifer Reeder at (jreeder@alzfdn.org).