Therapy in dementia: Fool’s errand or worthy endeavour?
Tracks
Track 1
| Friday, May 15, 2020 |
| 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
Presenter(s)
Dr Leander Mitchell
Phd; DPsych
University Of Queensland
Therapy in dementia: Fool’s errand or worthy endeavour?
10:30 AM - 5:00 PMAssumed knowledge of attendee
Beginner (casual familiarity with topic area e.g., treated one case)
Level of learning
Introductory
Outline
A diagnosis of dementia brings with it a range of complex medical, cognitive and psychosocial sequelae. And as the population ages, with dementia being more likely to occur as we age, there is a need for the provision of quality psychological services to assist the person with dementia in maintaining their sense of mental wellbeing and their overall sense of independence. The literature is sparse in its coverage of therapeutic work with dementia and in many instances, work is done with both the carer and the person with dementia, or only with the carer. Nonetheless, what literature is available tells us that the experience of depression and anxiety, as well as the need to adjust to the effects of the disease on current life style and on future plans, are commonplace. As psychologists, it is therefore upon us to consider how best to work with this population for the betterment of their overall wellbeing. This workshop will explore the clinical utility of working with a person with dementia and include coverage of how best to work with people with dementia in a therapeutic context. Consideration will also be given to the assessment of people with dementia within a therapy context.
Learning outcomes
At the conclusion of this workshop, participants should be able to:
• To develop an understanding of the diagnostic criteria for dementia (i.e., DSM-5 Neurocognitive Disorders (591)).
• To understand, and therefore be able to choose, among the assessment options available in a therapeutic context for working with people with dementia.
• To gain knowledge of the most common psychosocial sequelae of dementia.
• To develop an understanding of the therapeutic approaches useful in a dementia context.
• To develop an understanding of the diagnostic criteria for dementia (i.e., DSM-5 Neurocognitive Disorders (591)).
• To understand, and therefore be able to choose, among the assessment options available in a therapeutic context for working with people with dementia.
• To gain knowledge of the most common psychosocial sequelae of dementia.
• To develop an understanding of the therapeutic approaches useful in a dementia context.
Biography
Dr Leander Mitchell is a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist who has been working with people with dementia and their families for the past 10 years. Her work has incorporated therapy, assessment and research, as well as community presentations on topics particularly related to older adulthood. She is also part of the teaching team at the University of Queensland, training the next generation of psychologists.
Prof Bob Knight
University Of Southern Queensland
Therapy in dementia: Fool’s errand or worthy endeavour?
10:30 AM - 5:00 PMBiography
Bob G. Knight, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology and Counselling at USQ Toowoomba. Prior to May, 2015, for 28 years he was on the faculty of the University of Southern California School of Gerontology, a world leader in the study of ageing.
He has published extensively in mental health and aging, including Psychotherapy with older adults (Sage, 3rd ed. 2004, available in French, Dutch, Japanese and Chinese translations). He co-authored with Nancy Pachana, Ph.D. (University of Queensland) Psychological assessment and therapy with older adults Oxford University Press (2015). His writing on psychotherapy with older adults includes development of the Contextual Adult Life Span Theory for Adapting Psychotherapy (CALTAP), which applies life span developmental principles to therapy with older adults.
Prof Knight received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. His professional experience in working with older adults began while working at the Urban League of Madison County (IN) where he organized and served as first president of the Madison County Council on Aging in 1973.
