Presenter: Brush Development,
Each segment of this course is carefully designed to provide participants with simple, actionable solutions that can be implemented today with individuals with dementia and their care partners. The Montessori philosophy discussed gives rehabilitation therapists the tools they need to dramatically improve their experience of working with clients with dementia.... more+
Presenter: Gwen Griffin, MA, CCC-SLP
What’s Next?™ is a structured, measurable and evidence-based program designed to provide greater levels of independence for persons with mild to moderate dementia. All materials needed to implement the What’s Next?™ program are included as part of this course – AMPS Assessment, AMPS Decision Tree, Acceptance Continuum, Routine Recording Worksheets, and Goal Writing Samples.... more+
Presenters: Jennifer A. Brush, MA, CCC-SLP & Brush Development,
This comprehensive dementia course includes lectures, handout materials, and therapy activity ideas that provide the essential tools needed for clinicians working with individuals who have cognitive impairment. Participants will leave this course with blueprints for purposeful activities for all levels of cognitive impairment that will increase elder engagement throughout the day. ... more+
Presenter: Jennifer A. Brush, MA, CCC-SLP
This course provides a comprehensive review of formal assessment tools and treatment planning options appropriate for persons with memory loss associated with dementia. It discusses the roles and responsibilities of the SLP related to memory loss, and compares and contrasts some of the diseases that cause symptoms of dementia and memory loss.... more+
Presenter: Amanda Warren, MS, CCC-SLP
This course features a case review of a man with dementia living in a long-term care facility. He is not communicative, sits in a wheelchair, has some swallowing difficulties, and is unable to feed himself. There are DNR, DNI, and DNH orders in his medical record. His family has asked that a Heimlich maneuver not be performed if he were to choke. This presentation will explore the role of the SLP as an integral member of the ethics team.... more+
Presenters: Kathryn Bayles, PhD, CCC-SLP (Retired) & Kim McCullough, PhD, CCC-SLP
This course focuses on MCI assessment. Topics presented will include the value of early identification, evidence-based in-depth guidelines for assessment, information about types of assessments — both screening measures and broad based neuropsychological batteries, the factors to consider in interpreting test performance, and counseling clients given their test performance.... more+
Presenter: Jeanna Winchester, PhD
This course explores the multisystem breakdown of the swallow as well as the broadening role of the SLP in dysphagia therapy. The five systems of dysphagia (cognitive - neurological - respiratory - gastrointestinal - muscular) are discussed with explanation of how disorders in these systems can have a devastating effect... more+
Presenter: Kathryn Bayles, PhD, CCC-SLP (Retired)
Language performance deficits are early indicators of MCI, and SLPs are uniquely qualified to identify those at risk for MCI and provide clinical intervention. Early identification is vital to delay or prevent progression to dementia, and diagnostic criteria and test performance cutoffs are now available. This course focuses on cognitive impairment and provides an overview of what cognition is, how memory is formed, types of memory, and a substantive segment on treatments and how they relate to the principles of neuroplasticity.... more+
Presenter: Mike Studer, PT, MHS, DPT
Are our current rehabilitative approaches encouraging patients to re-automatize skills? Or, are we encouraging patients to "think about" rather than subconsciously process skills that were once procedural memories? Learn to apply Procedural Learning and Dual Task Training to help individuals become skilled and automatized again to reduce or eliminate the need for constant monitoring to maintain communication and swallowing goals.... more+
Presenter: Margaret Blake, PhD, CCC-SLP
This course will cover disorders of cognition commonly associated with right hemisphere strokes in adults, including attention, executive function, awareness, and memory. Characteristics, assessment, and treatment of each will be discussed.... more+
Presenters: Irene Gofman, MS, CCC-SLP & Amanda Warren, MS, CCC-SLP
This course reviews ways in which cognitive, communication and dysphagia management in end of life care differ in comparison to management in other populations. It will contrast palliative care vs. hospice. Also addressed will be early decision making and advocacy for patients nearing the end of life, and cultural competency when approaching patients with diverse backgrounds.... more+
Presenters: multiple expert presenters
This treatment-focused course presents perspectives on the evolution of dysphagia practice. Twelve expert clinicians in the field of speech-language pathology team up to discuss the history of dysphagia management, how evidence-based practice has evolved over the years, and what best practice looks like today. Course includes 2 hours related to ethics and speech-language pathology practice.... more+
Presenters: multiple expert presenters
This course advocates for a holistic approach to dementia care and challenges SLPs to enhance their methods of providing person-centered care for individuals who are living with dementia in any setting. Learn to shift perspective of dementia care from one of disability and loss, to one that focuses on enhancement of life engagement. Also presented will be a range of treatment options and case studies.... more+
Presenters: Jennifer A. Brush, MA, CCC-SLP & Rev. Katie Norris, M.Div.
This how-to course is packed with guidance and inspiration that will help Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists discover the abilities of individuals with dementia. It provides ideas for developing functional activities to use during therapy or as part of a maintenance program with individuals with dementia.... more+
Presenters: multiple expert presenters
This comprehensive assessment course is presented by 5 leading experts in the field of speech-language pathology. Discussed will be dysphagia screenings, bedside evaluations, FEES, MBS study, MRI, EMG, cranial nerve, manometry and more. Participants will learn advantages, strengths, and limitations associated with various assessment methods and how to apply this knowledge clinically for more accurate diagnosis.... more+
Presenter: Natalie Douglas, PhD, CCC-SLP
This course is designed for SLPs working in a SNF. Strategies are provided to support communication with facility leaders and other team members. Solutions are discussed to facilitate buy-in when training staff. Treatment approaches are presented to support cognitive-communicative status in residents with dementia in a SNF. ... more+
Presenters: multiple expert presenters
This clinically focused course uses a case study format to explain how to successfully evaluate and treat persons with dementia. Learn the importance of categorizing the type of dementia before establishing a plan of treatment. Learn to document medical necessity and skilled services – the two requirements necessary for reimbursement. Course reviews evidence-based interventions that are likely to yield functional and meaningful outcomes.... more+
Presenter: Lynette Carl, PharmD, BCPS
This course describes how medications can affect neurotransmission in the central nervous system, including impacts on cognition, learning, behavior, and motor function. In particular, it reviews medications that are used to improve cognition and learning in patients with cognitive disorders associated with dementia, psychosis, depression and anxiety disorders. Guidance is provided for optimizing patient participation in rehabilitation sessions through appropriate scheduling of sessions in relation to medication administration.... more+
Presenters: Jennifer A. Brush, MA, CCC-SLP & Kerry Mills, MPA
This online course offers positive, solution-focused practices that SLPs can implement with nursing staff, home health aides, spouses, children, or other care partners to help them support those living with dementia. Advocates for five strategies that SLPs can use to coach care partners in order to provide quality, loving care, as part of a healthy relationship.... more+
Presenter: Jennifer A. Brush, MA, CCC-SLP
Learn to address environmental barriers such as inadequate lighting, noisy conditions, poor or absent environmental cues, and visual clutter as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to assist older adults and individuals with dementia with their ability to function independently during meals.... more+
Presenter: Paula Leslie, PhD, FRCSLT, CCC-SLP
This course combines knowledge of feeding tubes in dementia with informed consent and decision making. Discussed are the requirements for informed consent, and how knowledge of ethical principles and research evidence can support clinicians and families in making more informed decisions.... more+
Presenter: Paula Sullivan, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
This comprehensive presentation will discuss the impact of illness and deconditioning on swallowing and review evidence-based interventions. It will provide a clear framework to guide the practitioner, team, and family with decision-making that is appropriate and realistic, and more importantly, patient-focused.... more+
Presenter: Peggy Watson, MS, CCC-SLP
This course provides a framework for implementing successful interventions for patients with dementia. Learn the SLP's role in staging and assisting patients to achieve their highest level of function in the areas of communication, behavior management, socialization, swallowing, and mobility. Also learn proper documentation of dementia therapy that supports skilled intervention for this population.... more+
Presenters: Mike Studer, PT, MHS, DPT & Robert Winningham, PhD
This course was developed to help rehabilitation professionals individualize their approach for each patient, with focused consideration on the patient's abilities and barriers. The approaches presented will be supported by research and will focus on improving functional independence in communication, mobility, and ADLs.... more+