Phoebe has developed a comprehensive half day training program designed for Activity and Community Life professionals. The training incorporates information about Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders and their impact on cognitive function with an interactive exposure to activity and engagement strategies for individuals with cognitive impairment.

Course Description: This program will provide participants with an overview of the more recent scientific findings related to the neurobiology of dementia, with particular emphasis on the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. In this context, participants will also learn about the specific cognitive functions affected by dementia and the way in which activity and engagement can both impact upon functional loss and capitalize upon functional strengths. Based upon this understanding, participants will engage in an interactive exploration of specific strategies and creative approaches for engaging individuals with cognitive decline in meaningful activity. Activities presented will be considered in relation to the specific areas of function that are engaged. Group discussion, experiential learning, activity demonstration and large group participation will be utilized to enhance learning of the activity principles and strategies presented.

Course Objectives:

• Participants will be able to describe the stages of Alzheimer’s disease progression as outlined in the 2011 National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association diagnostic criteria.
• Participants will be able to identify at least 5 specific areas of cognitive function affected by dementia and describe the most common signs of decline in each area.
• Participants will be able to describe the underlying principles of Montessori approaches to activity for individuals with dementia.
• Participants will be able to demonstrate at least one activity in each conceptual area of engagement for individuals with dementia.