June 2024 Newsletter
Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month
At NCCDP, we strive to make a positive change in dementia care and education. Every one of you, our members, help us make that change real every single day. Together, we can work towards breaking stigmas, promoting early detection, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Let’s pave the way for a more compassionate and understanding society where everyone affected by Alzheimer’s is supported and empowered.
Thank you for being the best part of NCCDP!
Delirium and Older Adults with Dementia: A Critical Intersection in Geriatric Care
The Relationship Between Delirium and Dementia
Dementia, a chronic and progressive cognitive decline, increases the susceptibility to delirium. Studies indicate that older adults with dementia are three to five times more likely to develop delirium compared to those without cognitive impairment. The presence of dementia complicates the recognition of delirium, as baseline cognitive deficits can mask the acute changes characteristic of delirium.
Prevalence and Impact
Risk Factors
Several risk factors contribute to the high incidence of delirium in older adults with dementia:
Medical comorbidities: Conditions such as infections, dehydration, and metabolic imbalances are common triggers.
Polypharmacy: The use of multiple medications increases the risk of adverse drug interactions and delirium.
Environmental factors: Hospitalization, intensive care unit stays, and changes in the living environment can precipitate delirium.
Sensory impairments: Visual and hearing impairments exacerbate the confusion and disorientation characteristic of delirium.
Pathophysiology
Diagnosis
Prevention
Preventing delirium in older adults with dementia involves proactive and multifaceted approaches:
- Early identification and management of risk factors: Regularly monitoring and managing medical comorbidities, ensuring hydration, and optimizing medication regimens.
- Environmental modifications: Creating a familiar and supportive environment, minimizing changes in routine, and ensuring adequate lighting and noise control.
- Sensory aids: Providing appropriate visual and hearing aids to reduce sensory deficits.
- Cognitive stimulation: Engaging patients in cognitive activities and orientation exercises to maintain mental function.
A randomized controlled trial published in The Lancet demonstrated that a multicomponent intervention program, including orientation, mobility, hydration, and sleep protocols, significantly reduced the incidence of delirium in hospitalized patients with dementia.
Management
Managing delirium in patients with dementia requires a comprehensive and patient-centered approach:
- Treat underlying causes: Promptly identify and address the medical triggers of delirium, such as infections or metabolic imbalances.
- Supportive care: Ensure patient safety, provide reassurance, and maintain a calm and structured environment.
- Minimize the use of psychoactive medications: Use medications judiciously and only when necessary, as they can worsen delirium and have adverse effects.
- Non-pharmacological interventions: Employ strategies such as reorientation techniques, cognitive stimulation, and maintaining regular sleep-wake cycles.
A systematic review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews highlighted the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in managing delirium and improving outcomes in patients with dementia.
Conclusion
References:
- Fong, T. G., Tulebaev, S. R., & Inouye, S. K. (2009). Delirium in elderly adults: diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Nature Reviews Neurology, 5(4), 210-220.
- Witlox, J., Eurelings, L. S., de Jonghe, J. F., Kalisvaart, K. J., Eikelenboom, P., & van Gool, W. A. (2010). Delirium in elderly patients and the risk of postdischarge mortality, institutionalization, and dementia: a meta-analysis. JAMA, 304(4), 443-451.
- Inouye, S. K., et al. (2006). A multicomponent intervention to prevent delirium in hospitalized older patients. New England Journal of Medicine, 340(9), 669-676.
- Siddiqi, N., et al. (2016). Interventions for preventing delirium in hospitalized non-ICU patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11).
- Inouye, S. K., et al. (1990). Clarifying confusion: the confusion assessment method. A new method for detection of delirium. Annals of Internal Medicine, 113(12), 941-948.
Celebrating our CNAs!
June 13-19th, 2024 is National CNA Week. In honor of our amazing CNAs, we are featuring Brian Rowell, a new CDP and a CNA at Corso Atlanta. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Brian!
“I began my professional healthcare journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant in 2021 during COVID, serving memory care individuals with end stage dementia in a Skilled Nursing Facility. Quickly gaining experiences, I realized the direct impact COVID had disproportionately affected these groups of people and realized how needed I was to help spread peace, love joy and happiness.
Each day I felt it was important to implement a better quality of life to each beautiful soul I cared for while promoting meaningful person-centered approaches while ensuring activities of daily life support.
In 2023 I received my Certification in Medication Administration working as a Lead Medication Technician in a Memory Care Unit administering medications designed to both treat brain functions and overall health to patients with Irreversible Dementia. I chose to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner to advocate for the dementia population and to bring practitioner levels of expert training to families, staff and most importantly the community I serve.”
Brian J Rowell CDP, CMT, CNA ll
Summer Special!
Get a hard copy of your certification for 50% off!
Congratulations to Delaware Hospice!
Delaware Hospice was featured in Delaware Today for their Peace of Mind dementia support program!
With over 100 Certified Dementia Practitioners, they are at the forefront of providing the highest level of care for persons living with dementia and their families!
Intro To The Montessori Concepts In Dementia Care
Join our Director of Education, Denise Scruggs, as she presents this live, interactive webinar!
Have you been hearing more about the Montessori concept in dementia care?
Curious about getting certified in Montessori Dementia Care?
How about a sneak peek at the NCCDP’s newest course, certification, and trainer program? Please join us for this informative overview and peek into Montessori strategies being used in dementia care to enhance the lives of our dementia clients. We now offer a full course on the topic along with certification as well as a trainer program.
- Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2024
- Time: Eastern Time 12:00pm – 1:30pm
- Location: Live-Online (Zoom login provided in registration confirmation email)
- Price: $35.00
- CEU’s: 1.5 hours approved for NCCDP certification renewals
A Shot in the Arm of INSPIRATION! The Importance of "Why" We Do Our Work.
Join our VP of Corporate Training Rachelle Blough, as she presents this live, interactive webinar!
The importance of the “why” behind our work….
Join us for a live, interactive virtual webinar centered on maintaining energy and motivation while assisting individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. This session will incorporate media clips, practical examples, tools, and resources to boost your spirits during challenging days. Moreover, you will gain access to valuable resources to inspire and engage your team. By the end, you will have learned strategies to boost team morale and appreciate your colleagues in a personalized manner, mirroring the care they provide to others.
- Date: Wednesday, July 24, 2024
- Time: Eastern Time 12:00pm – 1:30pm
- Location: Live-Online (Zoom login provided in registration confirmation email)
- Price: $35.00
- CEU’s: 1.5 hours approved for NCCDP certification renewals
Thank you, Myrna Marofsky!
Myrna Marofsky, author of To the Last Dance, surprised our seminar attendees at the NAAP Conference to provide free copies of her book (pictured, right) to attendees and conference goers.
This book shares Myrna’s story of her journey with her husband’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease.
NCCDP is so thankful to Myrna for sharing her story!
Upcoming Seminars:
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care (ADDC) Seminar:
Tuesday, June 11: SOLD OUT
Tuesday, June 25: SOLD OUT
Thursday, July 11: ONLINE- Central Time Click HERE to Register!
Tuesday, July 23: ONLINE- Eastern Time Click HERE to Register!
Wednesday, August 7: ONLINE- Central Time Click HERE to Register!
Thursday, August 15: ONLINE- Eastern Time Click HERE to Register!
Tuesday, August 20: ONLINE- Pacific Time Click HERE to Register!
Tuesday, September 10: ONLINE- Mountain Time Click HERE to Register!
Tuesday, September 24: ONLINE- Central Time Click HERE to Register!
Friday, September 27: ONLINE- Eastern Time Click HERE to Register!
Montessori Concepts in Dementia Care Seminar:
Thursday, August 8: ONLINE- Eastern Time Click HERE To Register!
Tuesday, November 12: ONLINE- Eastern Time Click HERE To Register!
The Beacon Institute CADDCT/ADDC Seminar
The Beacon Institute will be hosting our Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Seminar, as well as our Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer Seminar this August! They will be offered virtually. Click the links below to access the information and registration pages!
ADDC Seminar:
- Held August 21, 2024 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern
Trainer Seminar:
- Held both August 21 & 22, 2024
- August 21: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern
- August 22: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern
Interested in Certification?
Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional Trainer (CMDCPT)
As a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional Trainer, you will be certified to present our Montessori Concepts in Dementia Care (MCDC) curriculum to professionals across multiple industries within the geriatric healthcare industry.
Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP)
This certification is open to all healthcare professionals, front-line staff, clergy, and other medical professionals who work in and around the geriatric healthcare industry and have at least one full year of paid experience. It focuses on person-centered care, maintaining independence, and avoiding infantilization.
Healthcare Observances:
All Month:
- Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
- Men’s Health Month
- National Aphasia Awareness Month
Weeks:
- June 10-14: Community Health Improvement Week
- June 10-16: Men’s Health Week
- June 13-19: National CNA Week
Days:
- June 2: National Cancer Survivors Day
June 7th, 2024 is National Donut Day!
We took a poll at the corporate office and here are a few of our favorite donuts!
Patrick: Chocolate Long John
Rebecca: Boston Cream
Melanie: Bavarian Crème
Kristine: Anything with sprinkles
Helaina: Glazed
Jen: Bavarian Crème
Amy: Fresh Cinnamon Sugar
Jason: Glazed
