DEMENTIA, DELIRIUM, DEPRESSION: A Differential Diagnosis

The prevalence of dementia, delirium and depression in the elderly has been recognized, researched and treated with varying degrees of effectiveness. Many of the causes for these pervasive disorders are reversible. It is incumbent upon the geriatric care giving community to be knowledgeable of assessment tools, evaluative procedures and diagnostic criteria so that treatment modalities can be explored and utilized appropriately. Through this course, participants will learn the features that differentiate dementia, depression and delirium. They will gain skills in identifying behavioral disorders that often accompany these diagnoses and learn of interventions and treatment, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, that have proven to be effective in treating these behaviors.