Addressing Behavior Challenges with Dementia "ABCD" is an interactive workshop of the VA Geriatrics Scholars Program.  The workshop is an on-site, full day program or half-day options, resources provided, CME/CEU accreditation.

The incidence of Alzheimer's Disease has risen dramatically among American Indian and Alaska Natives.  The course addresses a gap in expertise of the healthcare workforce that is noted in the CDC Healthy Brain Initiative and the Roadmap for Indian Country.   

The goals of the workshop are:

• Recognize (or identify) dementia.
• Recognize challenging behaviors that can be addressed by non-pharmacological interventions and distinguish them from behaviors that require medical intervention.
• Educate family caregivers on behavioral solutions and monitor implementation goals.
• Communicate to clinic team and to family caregivers about healthcare needs requiring immediate intervention. 
• Share educational resources as envisioned int he Memorandum of Understanding between VA and Indian Health Service (2020)