Neurodegenerative Disease (e.g. MS, Parkinson's disease)

Cross-Cutting

Clinical Practice (assessment, diagnosis, treatment, knowledge translation/EBP, implementation science, program development)

Symposium

(602300) Caregivers in neurodegenerative disorders:  Interventions with the ‘invisible patient’

Presenter(s)

• 

  Iracema Leroi, BSc, MD, FRCPC, MRCPsych, DABPN

  Associate Professor of Geriatric Psychiatry
  Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin
  Dublin
• 

  Fofi Constantinidou, PhD, CCC-S, CBIS

  Professor of Language Disorders and Clinical Neuropsychology
  University of Cyprus
  Nicosia, Nicosia
• 

  Monika Gross, m.AmSAT, m.ATI, RSME, BFA

  Executive Director
  The Poise Project
  Candler, North Carolina

Non-presenting Author(s)

• SV

  Sabina Vatter, MA, PhD

  Study coordinator, INVEST project
  University of Manchester
  Manchester, England

The role of the carer in the context of neurodegenerative conditions is particularly important due to the complex, long term and deteriorating nature of the condition. Psychosocial therapies for either the carer alone or in the context of a 'dyadic' therapeutic approach may be important approaches to improving outcomes for both the care partner and the individuals with the neurodegenerative condition. This symposium explores the profile of care partners of people with neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's-related dementias and dementias with complex comorbidities, and outlines different types of supportive interventions with care partners as recipients.

Learning Objectives:

• Upon completion, the participant will be able to describe impact of the caregiving role on life partners of people with neurodegenerative conditions.
• Upon completion, the participant will generate an understanding of the dyadic nature of the caregiving role in the context of neurodegenerative conditions.
• Upon completion, the participant will be able to appreciate the role of supportive therapies involving care partners in improving outcomes for care partners.
• Upon completion, the participant will be exposed to international approaches addressing common issues facing care partners or people with neurodegenerative conditions.