Geriatric Rehabilitation

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

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

Measurement

Symposium

(620430) Cognitive Impairment – The Importance of Earlier Assessment for Patients in Rehabilitation

Moderator(s)

• 

  Jonathan Bean, MD, MPH

  Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  Harvard Medical School
  Boston, Massachusetts

Presenter(s)

• 

  Chodosh Joshua, MD, MSHS, FACP

  Professor of Medicine and Population Health
  NYU School of Medicine
  New York, New York
• 

  Katie Maslow, MSW, BA

  Visiting Scholar
  The Gerontological Society of America
  Washington, District of Columbia

Panelist(s)

• 

  Patricia Heyn, PhD, FGSA, FACRM

  Associate Professor
  University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
  Aurora, Colorado

Non-presenting Author(s)

• KT

  Karen Tracy, BS

  Vice President
  The Gerontological Society of America
  Washington, District of Columbia
• 

  Emily Nalder, PhD, BOccThy(Hons)

  Assistant professor (tenure stream)
  University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine
  Toronto, Ontario

This session will provide an overview of The Gerontological Society of America KAER 4-step process to detecting cognitive impairment and stimulating an earlier diagnosis of dementia. Session presenters will discuss approaches and tools described in the process and will offer strategies for rehabilitation professionals who want to implement the KAER process for earlier cognitive assessment and timely diagnosis for their patients.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the role of rehabilitation professionals (primary care providers, nurses, physical, occupational & speech therapists, psychologists, counselors, dieticians / nutritionists & social workers) in addressing early cognitive impairment with patients.
• Explain the KAER 4-Step Process to Detecting Cognitive Impairment and Earlier Diagnosis of Dementia
• Illustrate different approaches in each step in the model to help the PCP initiate conversations about brain health, detect and assess cognitive impairment, diagnose dementia, and provide post‐diagnostic referrals for education and supportive community services for persons with dementia and their family caregivers.
• Test and structured assessments to determine which older adults should receive or be referred for a diagnostic evaluation.
• Lear about community resources to help the patient and caregivers identify needs and assess help.