AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to provide:

• General knowledge of the different clinical forms of dementia and of the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms associated with dementia.

• Acquisition of knowledge and awareness regarding the emotional challenges — particularly the risk of frustration and burnout — experienced by caregivers of elderly individuals; understanding of the ways — mainly related to sharing within the work group — to cope with these challenges.

• In-depth study of the methods to conduct an "investigation" — halfway between archaeology and journalism — aimed at reconstructing the fragmented and confused identity of the elderly person with dementia.

• Acquisition of knowledge on the specific clinical features of depression in the elderly and on the specific symptoms that may indicate a risk of suicide.

• Ability to assess the pros and cons of institutionalizing elderly patients in nursing homes (RSA), beyond prejudices or superficial considerations.

• By the end of the course, students are expected to have developed the ability to perceive the differences between managing elderly patients and patients at other stages of life, in addition to having acquired the knowledge outlined in the aforementioned objectives.

TEACHING METHODS

Theoretical presentation of the above topics.

Lectures will be delivered in a traditional (frontal) format, with the use of audiovisual materials and opportunities for interaction, as outlined in the program.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Critical reflection on the concept of rehabilitation in old age, compared to the concept of habilitation and rehabilitation at other stages of life.
Focus on the importance and difficulty of gathering an in-depth medical history of the elderly patient, in order to create a bio-psycho-socio-relational “portrait” that serves as the foundation for an appropriate rehabilitation plan.
Brief overview of dementia.
Focus on the issue of depression in the elderly and the challenging distinction between depression and cognitive decline.
Suicide risk in the elderly.
The issue of choosing between home care and institutional care for elderly patients with dementia.
The emotional challenges faced by caregivers.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

General texts:

• Coffey E., Cummings L.: Manual of Geriatric Neuropsychiatry, Second Edition, CIC Edizioni Internazionali, Rome, 2001.

• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, pp. 687-746, Raffaello Cortina Editore, Milan, 2014.

• Rozzini R., Trabucchi M.: Depressive symptoms, their management, and mortality in elderly people. J. Am. Geriatr. Soc., 2012 May; 60 (5): 989-90.

Handouts distributed by the instructor covering the topics discussed in each lesson.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

OCTOBER

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy