Maricopa Community Colleges  NUR290AB   19896-19955 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 12/08/87
NUR290AB 19896-19955 LEC 0.50 Credit(s) 0.50 Period(s)
Cognitive Aspects of Aging
Cognitive changes related to aging. Review of current research findings of primary degenerative dementia and appropriate therapeutic modalities. Defining characteristics of primary versus pseudodementias and the appropriate interventive techniques for each. Prerequisites: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) licensure, or permission of instructor.
Cross-References: NCE290AB
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
NUR290AB   19896-19955 Cognitive Aspects of Aging
1. Identify normal changes in the cognitive functioning of the aged person. (I)
2. Compare the distinctive clinical symptoms of delirium, pseudodementia, and true dementia. (II)
3. Describe appropriate tools to assess the cognitive status of the aged person. (III)
4. Describe the current research related to the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease. (IV)
5. Compare the differences in symptomology of Alzeheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia. (IV)
6. Describe the pathological changes that occur with Primary Degenerative Dementia (Alzheimer's disease). (IV)
7. Describe the symptomology of delirium and pseudodementia. (V)
8. Identify principles of management for the caregiver of an indivudial with Alzheimer's disease. (VI)
9. Describe therapeutic interventions that promote memory development and reduce depression in an elderly person with cognitive deficits. (VII)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
NUR290AB   19896-19955 Cognitive Aspects of Aging
    I. Cognition and the aging process
        A. Intelligence
        B. Reaction time
        C. Learning
        D. Problem solving
      II. Disturbances in cognition
          A. Pseudodementia
          B. Delirium
          C. True dementia
        III. Assessment of cognition
            A. Level of consciousness
            B. Orientation
            C. Memory
            D. Intellectual functioning
            E. Personality
          IV. Organic mental disorders (dementia)
              A. Primary degenerative dementia (PDD)
                1. Etiologic factors
                2. Clinical features
                3. Course and prognosis
              B. Multi-infarct dementia (MID)
                1. Etiologic factors
                2. Clinical features
                3. Course and prognosis
            V. Non-organic mental disorders
                A. Delirium
                  1. Etiologic factors
                  2. Clinical features
                  3. Course and prognosis
                B. Pseudodementia
                  1. Etiologic factors
                  2. Clinical features
                  3. Course and prognosis
              VI. Issues of the caregiver
                  A. Focus to client's strengths
                  B. Environmental concerns
                  C. Respite care
                VII. Therapeutic measures
                    A. Reality orientation
                    B. Reminiscence
                    C. Remotiviation
                    D. Resocialization
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