The progressions of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias commonly result in the emergence of behavioral disturbances that benefit from a thorough assessment.  A detailed description of the behavior includes temporal onset, course, precipitating and ameliorating factors, associated symptoms, along with some quantification of the level of disruption.  The differential diagnosis considers a range of contributors that are adequately addressed prior to attributing the behavior to a manifestation of the dementia itself.  Thereafter, a comprehensive care plan is developed that balances the degree of disruption and management approach that generally begins with a caregiver focus and non-pharmacologic strategies. Disruptive behaviors that put the person with dementia or their caregiver at imminent risk of harm or those refractory to initial efforts benefit from a consideration of pharmacologic management.  After this educational session, participants will be able to better identify and apply evidence-based practices for disruptive dementia related behaviors. 

Following learning facilitation of the occurrence and impact of dementia-related behaviors, participants will self-report:

1. The ability to construct a systematic evaluation for behavioral changes in persons with dementia and 
2. Develop a comprehensive care plan that incorporates caregiver education and non-pharmacologic interventions followed by pharmacologic management for disruptive behaviors for future practice application.

Learners will self-reflect on:

1. The patient populations impacted by persons living with dementia to best determine how cultural and linguistic factors should be addressed in care and 
2. How disparities in care affect persons living with dementia, and the role implicit bias plays in these disparities.