Description
This course examines the clinical presentations of Lewy Body Dementia, alongside comparisons and contrasts with Parkinson’s Disease with Dementia. The course provides learners with a thorough examination of different aspects of both neurodegenerative disorders. Cautions regarding medication suitability, and potential adverse effects are also identified.. This course will equip learners with sufficient knowledge to understand the effects, progression and treatment of Lewy Body Dementia, in order to provide elders with personalized, holistic care.
Course Audience
The audience for this course is people caring for elders with dementia. This includes family involved in the care of a loved one with dementia, and those employed in the care industry working in residential or daycare facilities.
Course Structure
The course is completed through interactive e-learning which learners can access at their own pace and in their own time. Lesson firstly consist of a series of informative and easily understood video clips from Dr Michelle Dhanak – a geriatrician who has specialized in this area for almost 25 years. The videos are followed by interactive and accessible learning tasks and activities containing further expansion on the subject of each video. The videos and activities cater to all learning types and create a solid knowledge base for each learning objective. Learners will be able to revisit the course after completion in order to recap knowledge as and when needed.
Course Assessment
The course will be assessed through completion of all e-learning sections, followed by a multiple choice quiz assessing knowledge from all e-learning sections. The quiz will be engineered to ensure caregivers have sufficient knowledge from all learning objectives. Learners will gain 70% of correct answers to pass the quiz, and will have 3 opportunities to take the quiz.
Learning objectives
Lesson 1 – Introduction
This lesson is an introduction to Dr Michelle Dhanak, including specialty details and introduction to previous work.
On completion of this lesson learners will be familiar with Dr Dhanak and understand her professional role and specialty.
Lesson 2 – Parkinson’s Disease with Dementia Vs. Lewy Body Dementia
This lesson outlines the main differences between Parkinson’s Disease with Dementia and Lewy Body Dementia. The one-year rule is discussed in relation to diagnosis, alongside other key defining features of each condition. Differences and similarities are explored. The dangers of antipsychotic medications in relation to this patient group are discussed.
On completion of this lesson the learner will:
1. Be able to define the one-year rule
2. Have gained knowledge of the signs of, similarities, and differences between, Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
3. Be aware of the potential severe effects of neuroleptic medications on this patient group.
Lesson 3 – Features, neuropathology and diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia
This lesson covers the clinical features of Lewy Body Dementia and outlines the mechanism by which the disease progresses. Diagnostic techniques such as imaging are discussed – alongside identification of some challenges of diagnosis.
On completion of this lesson the learner will:
1. Understand the role protein deposits play in the development of neurodegenerative disorders.
2. Understand the diagnosis pathway for Lewy Body Dementia, including challenges that may be encountered.
3. Be aware of the types of imaging that may be used to support diagnosis.
Lesson 4 – Visual Hallucinations, REM Sleep Disorder & Parkinsonism
This lesson covers hallucinations, REM Sleep Disorder and Parkinsonism as a feature of Lewy Body Dementia. The varied nature of hallucinations is discussed. The features of REM sleep disorder are explored. The key characteristics of Parkinsonism seen in Lewy Body Dementia are identified.
On completion of this lesson the learner will:
1. Be aware of the different types of hallucinations experienced by people living with Lewy Body Dementia. Understand why this feature of the disease is often identified late in the diagnosis process.
2. Know the defining features of REM sleep disorder and understand how this presents in Lewy Body Dementia
3. Be able to identify the key characteristics of Parkinsonism presented in Lewy Body Dementia
Lesson 5 – Clinical Course, Prognosis & Treatment of Lewy Body Dementia
This lesson explores the prognosis, clinical course and treatment options of Lewy Body Dementia. Prognosis and approximate life expectancy is covered alongside discussion of how factors such as quality of care and socioeconomic status can significantly alter life expectancy. Treatment options are examined, with risks and benefits of each medication group discussed. Medications to avoid and their potential ill effects are identified.
On completion of this lesson the learner will:
1. Understand the clinical course of Lewy Body Dementia, and factors that can influence this.
2. Be able to identify the key medications used to treat symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia and their risks and benefits. Be aware of medications to avoid in Lewy Body Dementia and their potential effects and risks.
3. Be able to identify the motor characteristics of Parkinson’s disease, and understand how these respond differently to Sinemet than Parkinsonism in Lewy Body Dementia.
Lesson 6 – Features, Neuropathology and Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease with Dementia
This lesson covers identifying features and neuropathology of Parkinson’s Disease alongside description of the typical clinical diagnostic pathway for those experiencing symptoms of Parkinsonism. The types of imaging sometimes used in diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease are discussed.
On completion of this lesson the learner will:
Know the key features, clinical course and basic neuropathology of Parkinson’s Disease
Know the main symptoms people experience in early Parkinson’s Disease that prompt them to seek medical advice
Know the typical diagnostic pathway for Parkinson’s Disease; including types of imaging that may be used.
Lesson 7 – Clinical Course, Prognosis & Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease with Dementia
This lesson examines non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Focus is on the symptom of cognitive decline. This is discussed in reference to the prevalence of dementia in late stage Parkinson’s disease. Life expectancies are compared for Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease with Dementia. Medications are covered thoroughly and in relation to specific symptoms. Medication cautions, adverse effects and risk/benefit balance are also discussed.
On completion of this lesson the learner will:
Be able to identify the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Be aware of the effects, and prevalence of cognitive decline and dementia in people living with Parkinson’s Disease.
Be able to identify some of the medications used for specific Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. Be aware of issues surrounding medications and worsening cognitive decline. Be aware of risk/benefit balance for people living with late state Parkinson’s disease.
Summary
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