Dementia Care Digest

Official newsletter of the

Alzheimer's Foundation of America's

Dementia Care Professionals of America division

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April 2015/Issue 9

A Message from AFA's Deputy Director, Educational Services

Spring has sprung (or is on it's way for many our neighbors on the east coast)! Spring not only ushers in warmer weather and longer days, but it is also a great time of year for us to focus on renewing our spirits.

As care partners, it's important to pursue activities that are restorative and help us to grow-- whether it be spending more time with loved ones, picking up a new hobby or carving out time to partake in the things that bring meaning to your life. Establishing this work/life balance will not only help to improve your health and well-being, but will also enable you to be more present for the individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias with whom you work.

This spring, AFA is hosting a series of educational events to support professionals, like you. Be sure to check out the "AFA Happenings" column in this issue to learn more about how to get involved, and as always, please be in touch to let us know how we can best support you.

In health,

Kristen Cribbs, MPH

Deputy Director, Educational Services

AFA Happenings

Raise Your Voice For Care at Hofstra University

Join AFA on our Raise Your Voice for Care College Tour stop at Hofstra University on April 15 in New York. The awareness-raising event will include educational sessions open to students, professionals, and community members, free, confidential memory screenings, and a music performance by American rock band, Honor by August. Visit our website for more information or to RSVP.

Free Concepts in Care Educational Conference

AFA will be hosting our annual Concepts in Care Educational Conference on May 15 in New York City at the New York Hilton Hotel. The free conference's specialized track for professionals will provide attendees with opportunities to learn about emerging issues in the dementia care field and network with other professionals. For more information or to register, visit our website.

New Nursing Home Transition Phone Support Group

AFA is introducing a free, phone-based support group for caregivers whose loved ones have recently moved into a nursing facility. The group, facilitated by one of AFA's licensed social workers, will be a time for caregivers to express their feelings, connect with others, and learn about resources. Sessions will take place from 3:30-4:30 pm ET on Wednesdays from May 6 to June 17. For more information or to register, contact Heather Saposnick, LCSW.

In the News

A recent "Washington Post" article explores the implications of a doctor shortage in the United States and highlights the critical need for medical specialists who are trained in working with older populations.

"The New York Times" discusses findings from a recent study by researchers at Arizona State University that suggest that alterations in speech patterns may, one day, be used to predict the development of Alzheimer's and other neurological conditions years before the clinical presentation of symptoms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) committed to leading and orchestrating a global movement to enhance research, health care, policy, and advocacy efforts on dementia at the first WHO Ministerial Conference on Global Action Against Dementia in Geneva, Switzerland during March.

Continuing Education

Findings from a recent study, conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GOA), found that older adults living with Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia residing in residential care settings and in the community are at risk of being prescribed anti-psychotic medication to treat disease-associated psychotic symptoms. These drugs are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for that use, however, and can result in a variety of negative outcomes.

Read the study from the GOA and take the corresponding Dementia Care Digest quiz to earn one Continuing Education Unit (CEU)*.

*Professionals who are sanctioned as AFA Qualified Dementia Care Providers or AFA Qualified Dementia Care Specialists must renew their AFA qualification every two years by obtaining four CEUs.

Every hour of continuing education equals one credit. 30 minutes of content equals 0.5 credits. A program of less than 30 minutes in total is not applicable, and all intervals of less than 30 minutes are rounded down to the nearest 30-minute mark.

Completion of each Dementia Care Digest quiz equals one CEU.

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