Understanding Behavioral Changes in Adults with I/DD and Dementia

$10 fee to view. This webinar dives into the behavioral aspects of dementia in persons with I/DD. Dr. Kathie Bishop and Ms. Kathleen Pears will team up and go into detail regarding symptoms and behaviors associated with dementia in this population, and how sensory challenges can often be misinterpreted and associated with dementia. Environmental factors that can contribute to certain behaviors are introduced as well as changes that you can make in an individual’s environment that will help to reduce specific attributes as well.

Dementia in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

$10 fee to view. Dr. Ronald Lucchino, Ph.D. President of the Board for the Southwest Florida Area Agency on Aging, gives a comprehensive overview of dementia. In this webinar he describes behaviors and symptoms of dementia, the different types and risk factors to miss-diagnosing an adult with an intellectual disability with dementia. Examples will be given to show the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia in adults with I/DD as opposed to the general population.

Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Dementia; Assessment and Healthcare Practices

$10 fee to view. Adults with I/DD are aging and living longer than ever. Decline in their daily function with the possibility of developing dementia increases with age, especially in adults with Down syndrome. Seth Keller, MD Immediate Past President of the AADMD and Co-Chair of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices reviews how changes in function can be assessed so that an accurate and early diagnosis of dementia can be determined. Health care advocacy and practices are all essential in ensuring that appropriate therapies and planning for eventual decline and associated complications are anticipated and cared for. The guidelines of the National Task Group is also be reviewed.

Oral Health, Disease, and Prevention 

Dennis McTigue DDS, MS, a professor of Pediatric Dentistry at Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry, speaks about the causes of dental diseases and the preventative methods/techniques to take that will help to reduce this epidemic. Poor oral hygiene is prevalent in a vast amount of individuals with I/DD due to various factors; however dental decay and disease can be avoided with the knowledge of good oral hygiene practices. Dennis focuses on the more common oral health issues facing people with disabilities and routine tricks about how to motivate individuals to maintain good oral health. Dennis also provides resources and supports for ways to seek out necessary treatments in your community.

Women’s Health Issues Over a Lifespan 

Dr. Suzanne Smeltzer RN, EdD, FAAN, a Professor and Director for the Center for Nursing Research at Villanova University’s College of Nursing, speaks about the health issues affecting women with disabilities throughout their lifespan. She touches on the more common age-related issues, such as osteoporosis, which is highly prevalent in woman with disabilities due to factors such as by immobility, use of antiepileptics, lower bone mineral density, and bone loss. She also discusses the regular health screenings that all woman need to maintain throughout their lives and the importance behind these necessary screenings, including breast health/check-ups, pap smears, and gynecology visits.