Dementia, Delirium and Mental Health in the Older Person
Description
The aim of this module is to advance students’ understanding of dementia, delirium, and other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety that have increased prevalence in older person populations. Students will develop a critical understanding of aetiology, pathophysiology, risk factors (modifiable and non-modifiable) and symptoms of dementia, delirium, depression, and anxiety. Students will be able to appraise the use of tools for cognitive and mental health assessment and develop a critical understanding of the evidence-based pharmacological, non-pharmacological, psychological, and psychosocial interventions used. Multidisciplinary and interagency approaches to care and management will be explored together with strategies for family and carer supports.
Learning Outcomes
Critically discuss the aetiology, pathophysiology, risk factors (modifiable and non-modifiable) and symptoms of dementia, delirium, and depression and anxiety
Differentiate the appropriate assessment and treatment approaches and critique evidence supporting their therapeutic benefit
Evaluate the pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches in supporting the person with non-cognitive symptoms of dementia
Critically debate the policy, legislation and strategies informing the development and delivery of interdisciplinary, interagency, and family support services
Appraise the approaches to and models of person-centred dementia care and debate positive risk taking and strategies for maintaining safety
Defend the use of the restorative and adaptive approaches associated with psychosocial interventions and their supporting evidence base
Appraise the use of psychosocial interventions including positive engagement and communication and other non-pharmacological interventions, used to support meaningful activities and social inclusion