Dementia & Geropsychology: From Theory to Clinical Application

Module 1 Objectives – Geropsychology: Brain Health of Older Adults

• Understanding the scope of Geropsychology
• Understand key brain health issues commonly experienced by older adults, including cognitive decline, anxiety, depression, and suicide risk
• Recognize the mental health impact of age-related challenges
• Understand the role of culture, family relationships and caregiving dynamics in shaping brain health outcomes for older adults
• Distinguish typical age-related changes from clinical impairment

Module 2 Objectives – Decoding Dementia

• Understand what MCI and dementia are
• Learn the DSM-5 criteria for Mild and Major Neurocognitive Disorders
• Understand the lived experience of individuals with dementia
• Identify and differentiate between the major types of dementia and MCI
• Understand the neurodegenerative processes underlying dementia and recognize the pathological hallmarks
• Recognize cognitive and functional signs and symptoms across MCI and the subtypes
• Understand the symptom progression in different types of dementia

Module 2.5 Objectives – Basics of Functional Neuroanatomy

• Understanding key brain structures and their functions

Module 3 Objectives – Clinical Practice in Dementia Care: Assessment and Intervention

• Understand the process of diagnosing dementia
• Describe the role of neuropsychological evaluation
• Learn to recognize how neuroimaging contributes to diagnosis
• Importance of a multidisciplinary team
• Understand the role of psychologist in dementia care
• Recognize the emotional and practical challenges faced by families and caregivers
• Learn the benefits of early diagnosis
• Evaluate the societal burden of dementia
• Learn about a range of interventions used in dementia care
• Understand the role of the multidisciplinary team in dementia
• Understand the role of psychologist in dementia care
• Assessment and care treatment
• Learn pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions used in dementia care
• Explore emerging innovations in dementia care

Module 4 Objectives – Caregiver Support

• Understand the emotional and psychological journey of dementia caregivers
• Identify common causes and factors contributing to caregiver distress
• Recognize signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout and emotional strain
• Empathize with the second ‘invisible patient’ and learn to support the patient through family support
• Explore supportive therapies and interventions for caregivers
• Discuss strategies to promote caregiver well-being and resilience
• To understand how therapy helps caregivers cope with the stress of dementia care