Course Summary

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, deteriorating disease that affects memory with symptoms of dementia that worsen over time. Memory loss is initially diagnosed as mild, and as the disease progresses, end-stage or late-stage symptoms can include an inability to communicate or respond to people or situations. The lifespan of a person with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) varies based on lifestyle and general physical health, but the current death rate is higher than other common causes of disease and death like heart disease and stroke. Because AD remains an incurable condition, treatment is focused on symptoms and quality of life needs. Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise worldwide and in the United States. There is a pressing need to improve access to care for AD patients and support for caregivers and families.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Incidence and Historical Overview
  • History of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Genetics, Environmental and Other Risk Factors
  • Ethnic, Cultural and Social Factors
  • Environmental, Lifestyle and Other Factors
  • Predictors of Alzheimer’s Disease
• Diagnostic Criteria and Clinical Features of Cognitive and Memory Impairment
  • Clinical Features of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Cognitive and Memory Impairment
• Physical Impairments, Communication Deficits and Emotional Psychosocial Impacts
  • Emotional and Psychosocial Impacts
• Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Early Onset Versus Late Onset Disease
• Treatment Strategies and Prevention
  • Pharmacotherapy
  • Environmental and Psychosocial Interventions
  • The DICE Method
  • Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease
• Case Study: Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Discussion
• Summary 

Author

Lindy Beaver, DNP, MSN, CHE, ACNS-BC

Lindy Beaver is an assistant professor at the College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia. She has practiced extensively as a clinical nurse with over nine years as Clinical Nurse Specialist. This included department leadership roles in Emergency Services and Surgical Services and Anesthesia. In addition, Lindy Beaver has more than 25 years promoting evidence-based practice that focuses on quality patient outcomes. During her career, Lindy Beaver has integrated tutoring, mentoring, and professional guidance into her practice for all levels of nursing. She enjoys engaging with clinical staff in personal and professional growth, and her career has exemplified a true passion and  devotion to nursing.