Age-related cognitive changes and dementia: Overview and treatment implications
Many older adults experience age-related cognitive changes in the domains of short-term memory, attention, sensation and perception, and language, among others. Clinicians and clients can often mistake these age-related changes for dementia. Additionally, clinicians may be unaware of how to modify treatment for older adults with dementia. This training will review common age-related cognitive changes, different types of dementia, and how to distinguish between the two. Treatment modifications for psychotherapy with older adults with dementia will be discussed, as well as evidence-based treatments for older adults at various stages of dementia. Caregiver support interventions will also be reviewed.