Alzheimer’s Disease: Approaches to Care
A Virtual Conference Series In partnership with HomeCare Options
This series is a part of the Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative, funded by the Administration on Aging, Administration on Community Living.
When a family member or friend’s memory loss becomes concerning, there are many questions that caregivers face: Is it Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? What are the different types of dementia and how do I get a diagnosis? Are there treatment options? How can I best prepare and adapt to changes in communication and behavior that may occur? How do I best manage my own emotional stress? This free, virtual conference series for caregivers will help answer these vital questions. Each session will include time for Q & A.
After registering below, you will receive an email with instructions on how to join each presentation. While this program is designed as a series, attendance at each session is not mandatory. You can register for each individually. All sessions will be recorded.
Session 1: INFORMATION
Thursday, October 21st at 11am-12:30pm
Alzheimer’s Disease: Responding to the Medical and Psychological Needs with Matthew Barnas, MD, FAPA
Bio: Dr. Barnas is the founder and medical director of both Pelorus TMS and Pelorus Elder & Behavioral Health, with 17 years of experience practicing medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Board Certified in both Geriatric and Adult Psychiatry. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers–New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) medical school, actively teaching medical students and Psychiatry residents.
Dr. Barnas completed a TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) certification program at Duke University. He completed his Geriatric training at Yale University, which included training in nursing home Psychiatry, and learning the associated rules and regulations. Prior, he was the Chief Resident of Adult Psychiatry at NJMS, where he earned the A. Lester Granet annual award for excellence in teaching and leadership. He earned his medical degree from Rutgers-NJMS. He graduated magna cum laude from Seton Hall with a B.S. in Biology and is a diplomate of their liberal arts University Honors Program.
Dr. Barnas’ clinical interests include evaluating and treating geriatric cognitive disorders (ie Alzheimer’s Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia), mood and anxiety disorders, and cognitive disorders in younger adults (ADHD). He is often consulted by other physicians to assist with evaluating and treating psychiatric issues in seniors, including the behavioral aspects of dementia (ie agitation, insomnia, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia).
At the Cognitive Research Center of NJ, he is an investigator in current research trials seeking safer, more effective treatments for Alzheimer’s Dementia. He has presented on these topics at national meetings (AAGP and AAAP) and on behalf of community organizations like United Way, Alzheimer’s Association, and Alzheimer’s NJ. He has also published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry and the book Comprehensive Review for the Psychiatry Boards.
Dr. Barnas is on the medical staff at Buttonwood Behavioral Health Hospital, Morristown Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center.
Description
In our first webinar of the series, Matthew Barnas, MD, FAPA will provide information about Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of dementia including: diagnosis, behavioral and psychological symptoms, the role of the practitioner in ongoing assessment, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, and caregiver support resources.
Session 2: STRATEGIES
Thursday, October 28th at 11am-12:30pm
Managing Communication and Behavior Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease with Caitlin Lennox, MA, CCC-SLP
Bio: Caitlin Lennox, M.A., CCC-SLP is a Programs and Services Coordinator at Alzheimer’s New Jersey. She is certified as a Speech-Language Pathologist by the American Speech and Hearing Association and is licensed in the state of NJ. Caitlin has worked extensively with people living with dementia, their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in a variety of settings including memory care units, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, adult day programs, and outpatient clinics.
Description
Our second webinar of the series will focus on providing caregivers with strategies to enhance communication and manage behavior changes. Individuals with dementia may lose their ability to use words and behavior often becomes the primary way they communicate their needs. Attendees will learn how to improve communication at each stage of the disease, how to recognize behavior as a form of communication, identify possible causes of behaviors, and how to cope when behaviors are challenging.
Session 3: STRESS MANAGEMENT
Thursday, November 4th at 11am-12:30pm
Coping with Caregiver Grief and Stress with Connie Palmer, LCSW
Bio: Connie Palmer, LCSW, has been a Grief Educator for Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss, since it was founded in 2011, offering trainings on grief and loss in schools, workplaces and community organizations. She is a licensed clinical social worker who is an experienced teacher, therapist and school counselor with more than thirty years of experience.
Description
Our third and final webinar of the series is all about you – the caregiver. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia can be a very overwhelming and exhausting experience. Connie Palmer, LCSW, will discuss grief in caregiving and ways to manage stress to help caregivers find the balance each day to continue to care not only for their loved one, but for themselves.