This book describes the most current information on strategies for improving the quality of life of patients with HIV, dementia, and neurological conditions. Topics covered include communication strategies, how to treat each illness, managing symptoms, coping with multiple losses, and safe care of patients.

Upon completion of this self-study program the learner should be better able to

HIV

•  improve the quality of life of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease
• identify behaviors that increase the risk of HIV disease progression
• assess prognosis
• help patients set realistic goals
• manage selected HIV-specific symptoms
• identify the short- and long-term side effects of antiretroviral therapy
• discuss the withdrawal of antiretroviral therapy
• identify methods for coping with multiple losses
• describe recommendations for caring for HIV patients safely.

Dementia

• identify the most common etiologies of dementia and their pathogenesis in the United States
• understand the prevalence of dementia in the United States and its age-related variation
• describe the typical disease course for a person with Alzheimer’s dementia
• describe the currently available pharmacologic therapies for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, including their mechanisms of action, indications, and common side effects
• develop a strategy to assess pain in people with mild-to-moderate and severe-to-end-stage dementia
• list the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
• describe the difference between depression and apathy and understand the unique features of depression in people with dementia, including prevalence, alternative presentations, and treatment options
• list the most commonly used atypical antipsychotics, with dosage recommendations and possible adverse effects
• identify contributing causes to agitation in people with dementia
• recognize frequent complications in patients with end-stage dementia and an approach to their treatment
• review hospice eligibility guidelines for dementia and summarize their limitations
• appreciate the impact of caregiving for people with dementia compared to other life-limiting illnesses

Neurological Conditions

• Recognize common neurological disease presentations
• Understand disease trajectories and prognostic factors for common neurological conditions
• Understand treatment options for common neurological conditions
• Be familiar with end stage issues for common neurological conditions
• Understand when hospice referral is appropriate for common neurological conditions

Authors:
Chris Blais, MD MPH FAAHPM
Jennifer Gabbard, MD
Susan Nelson, MD FACP FAAHPM
Sonia Malhotra, MD

No CME credits available

Member Price: $65
List Price: $85