SERIES BACKGROUND

Arriving at an accurate diagnosis for both the presence of dementia and then the type of dementia takes time and requires clinicians to look at a variety of factors (Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2009). Recent research reflects a growing understanding of non-Alzheimer’s dementias. While Alzheimer’s disease continues to make up a majority of the dementia diagnoses, studies estimate the prevalence of vascular dementia to be 10-30%, making it the second most common dementia (WHO, 2012, Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2009; Stephan & Brayne, 2008; Alzheimer’s Society, 2007).

Estimates for the prevalence of Lewy Body dementia tend to be harder to pinpoint, with some studies estimating prevalence at less than five percent and others estimating it at ten percent or even as high as vascular dementia (Stephan & Brayne, 2008, WHO, 2012, Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2009). It is estimated that Parkinson’s disease dementia, a type of Lewy Body dementia, affects up to two percent of those over 65 and that of the nearly one million Americans with Parkinson’s, 50-80% will experience the dementia associated with it (Alzheimer’s Association, 2013). Additionally, there is increasing evidence to suggest that mixed dementia, a combination of two or more types of dementia, is more prevalent than previously thought and that it under diagnosed (Stephan and Brayne, dementia public policy; world report).

For these reasons it is important to provide sound, evidence-based training on the different types of dementias, including the origins, symptoms and best practice treatments. Therefore, this series, through virtual training and active learning, seeks to advance the training and workforce development goals of the Virginia Dementia State Plan.

The webinar series will include a pre-recorded 30-minute free lecture that briefly reviews types of dementia and three, live 60-minute free webinars on different types of dementia (Lewy body dementia, vascular and mixed dementias, and Parkinson’s disease dementia) and with a special emphasis on ethnic and racial minorities.

This was the first live webinar in the series which focused on vascular and mixed dementias, the second most common cause of dementia (WHO, 2012; Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2009; Stephan & Brayne, 2008; Alzheimer’s Society, 2007).

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN (big picture)?

1. Vascular dementia is the most common dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease commonly co-occur and are referred to as “mixed dementia.”
3. Controlling vascular risk factors is critical to minimize the occurrence of vascular dementia.

SESSION OBJECTIVES

• The webinar will review the causes, signs and symptoms, disease trajectory, treatment options, and best practices for caring for the individual with Vascular dementia as well as their caregivers.
• The webinar will pay particular attention to ethnic and racial minorities as well as available supports for individuals.
• The presenter will provide a case scenario to the webinar attendees and participants will be encouraged to answer questions and provide suggestions for how to handle the case.
• Flashcards will be available to allow participants to test their knowledge before and after the webinar.

PRESENTER

Carol Manning, PhD, ABPP-CN, is Director of the Memory Disorders Clinic, Director of the Neurobehavioral Assessment Laboratory, Associate Professor of Neurology and Vice Chair for Faculty Development in the Department of Neurology at the University of Virginia.  She has additional appointments in the Departments of Psychology, Neuroscience, and School of Nursing.  In addition to being Director of the Memory Disorders Clinic, Dr. Manning is also an active member of the Parkinson’s Disease and Huntington’s Disease Treatment Teams at the University of Virginia.   Dr. Manning is the Vice Chair of the Central and Western Virginia Alzheimer’s Association and was recently appointed to the Virginia Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission.

Dr. Manning received her PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1990.  Her post-doctoral training in neuropsychology and neurosciences was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Her clinical interests include diagnostic issues in dementia, cognitive and behavioral changes associated with neurodegenerative disease including Alzheimer’s disease,  Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease as well as depression and anxiety.  Her research involves the effects of neurodegenerative disease on memory, apathy and decision making processes.

MODERATOR

E. Ayn Welleford, PhD, received her B.A. in Management/Psychology from Averett College, M.S. in Gerontology and Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has taught extensively in the areas of Lifespan Development, and Adult Development and Aging, Geropsychology, and Aging & Human Values. As an educator, researcher, and previously as a practitioner she has worked with a broad spectrum of individuals across the caregiving and long term care continuum.

As Associate Professor and Chair of VCU’s Department of Gerontology, she currently works to “Improve Elder Care through Education” through her Teaching, Scholarship, and Community Engagement. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Welleford provides community education and serves on several boards and committees.

Dr. Welleford is former Chair of the Governor’s Commonwealth of Virginia Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Commission, as well as a recipient of the AGHE Distinguished Teacher Award. In 2011, Dr. Welleford was honored by the Alzheimer’s Association at their annual Recognition Reception for her statewide advocacy. Dr. Welleford is the author of numerous publications and presentations given at national, state and local conferences, community engagement and continuing education forums. In 2012, Dr. Welleford was appointed to the Advisory Board for VCU’s West Grace Village project. She is also the recipient of the 2012 Mary Creath Payne Leadership Award from Senior Connections, the Capital Area Agency on Aging.