
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults: A Deep Dive into Aging and Neurocognitive Disorder
This training is being offered in person for the Central California Adult Services Training Academy (CCASTA)!
Aging affects everyone, but understanding the distinction between normal cognitive aging and degenerative conditions is crucial for providing effective support. This training explores how the brain changes over time, distinguishing normal aging from major neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia. By analyzing these differences, clinicians can enhance their ability to assess and assist clients appropriately.
This is a 2 part, 6 hour training:
Morning Session: Exploring Normal Aging and Neurocognitive Disorder (3 hours)
o Differentiate between the effects of normal aging versus issues seen with degenerative major neurocognitive disorders
o Develop a further understanding major neurocognitive disorder and its common types
o Learn tools to support both normally aging older adults and individuals with major neurocognitive disorder
Analyzes how normal aging affects the brain and cognition in comparison to the development of a degenerative condition. Develops critical awareness of the differences between the various degenerative major neurocognitive disorders, with a focus on implications this has when working with these clients. Trainees will have the opportunity to learn a basic model of the brain. Through the use of discussion and individual activities, trainees will learn to challenge their own assumptions and help their clients to do so as well.
Afternoon Session: Navigating Cognitive Impairment: Interview Techniques, Dementia Screening, & Considering Decision-Making Capacity (3 hours)
o Explore the concept of cognitive impairment, including what it includes and potential causes
o Develop strategies for effectively interviewing clients with dementia and other significant cognitive impairment
o Learn dementia screening tools and tips, as well as how to understand decision-making capacity in the moment
Explores the concept of cognitive impairment and how it affects communication. The development of communication and interview strategies focused on individuals experiencing cognitive impairment is the primary focus, especially major neurocognitive disorder. Through the use of lecture, case study, and group discussion, trainees will have the opportunity to learn new tools for communicating with individuals exhibiting cognitive impairment and some of the behavioral difficulties that often accompany it. We will also consider tools for screening for dementia and decision-making capacity.