Harvard Dementia: A Comprehensive Update 2023 (CME VIDEOS)

Overview

Harvard Dementia: A Comprehensive Update 2023 (CME VIDEOS) is an extensive educational resource comprising 39 videos and a syllabus. This course offers an in-depth review of neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, addressing practical diagnosis, management, and emerging research. It is designed for healthcare professionals involved in cognitive and behavioral disorder care.

On-demand neurology education — accessible anytime, anywhere.

Format: 39 Videos + Syllabus

Agenda

This comprehensive update provides a multidisciplinary approach to dementia, covering neuroanatomy, clinical practice guidelines, biomarker use, treatment strategies, and ethical considerations.

• Introduction to the Course — Alireza Atri, MD, PhD; Brad Dickerson, MD, MMSc; Lynn Shaughnessy, PsyD, ABPP/CN
• Human Cognition: An Overview — Brad Dickerson, MD, MMSc
• Memory Systems & Amnesia — Andrew Budson, MD
• Neuropathology of AD/ADRD: A Guide for Practicing Clinicians — Matthew P. Frosch, MD, PhD
• From Proteinopathies to Neuroimaging & Biomarkers in AD/ADRD: Primer on Practice and Advances — David Wolk, MD
• Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias: Global Perspectives and Opportunities — Maria Carrillo, MD
• Alzheimer’s Disease Pathobiological Definitions & Prevention Strategies — Randall Bateman, MD
• Panel Discussion and Q&A — Course Directors and Faculty
• AD Dementia: Practical Evaluation & Management in Clinical Practice — Alireza Atri, MD, PhD
• Mild Cognitive Impairment: Prodromal AD and Beyond — Ronald Petersen, MD, PhD
• Advances in AD Experimental Therapeutics — Alireza Atri, MD, PhD
• Attentional and Executive Systems – Don’t Leave Home without Them — Kirk Daffner, MD, FAAN
• Neuropsychology of Aging — Sandra Weintraub, PhD, ABPP/CN
• Frontotemporal Dementias: Focus on Behavioral/Executive Variants — Bruce Miller, MD
• Language Systems & Aphasia-predominant Dementia Syndromes — M. Marsel Mesulam, MD
• Updates on Vascular Cognitive Impairment & Dementia — Charles DeCarli, MD, FAAN, FAHA
• Lewy Body Disease, and Parkinsonian & Sensorimotor-predominant Dementias — James Galvin, MD, MPH
• Assessment of Cognition in Clinical Practice — Alireza Atri, MD, PhD
• Practical Compensatory Strategies for Cognitive Decline — Lynn Shaughnessy, PsyD, ABPP/CN
• Assessment of Daily Function and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms/Behavior and Staging of Dementia in Practice — Brad Dickerson, MD, MMSc
• Telehealth neuropsychological evaluations for patients with possible neurocognitive disorders: Lessons from COVID — Janet Sherman, PhD
• Cased-based Assessment and Application of Biomarkers in Dementia Clinical Practice — Alireza Atri, MD, PhD; Brad Dickerson, MD, MMSc; Janet C. Sherman, PhD; David Wolk, MD
• Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Problem Behaviors in Dementia — Helen Kales, MD
• Pharmacological Management of Behavioral Problems in Dementia — Clive Ballard, MDB ChB, MRC Psych, MD
• Practical & Ethical Considerations for Disclosure of Dementia-Related Diagnosis and Risk — Jason Karlawish, MD
• Caregiving in Dementia: Impact, Consequences & Opportunities — Mary Mittelman, DrPH
• Community Advocacy and Activism For Dementias — Katie Brandt, MM
• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) & Dementia — Robert Stern, PhD
• Delirium, Encephalopathies and Uncommon Dementias — Jeremy Schmahmann, MD
• Dementia & The Law: Clinical Pearls on Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence — Judith G. Edersheim, JD, MD; Bruce H. Price, MD
• Principles & Practice of Mental Capacity and Competence in Dementia: From Finances to Firearms — Barry S. Fogel, MD
• Driving, Home & Community Safety and Dementia — Margaret O’Connor, PhD, ABPP/CN
• Advanced Care Planning & Management of End-stage Dementia, Pain, Palliation & Hospice in Long-Term Care — Mary Norman, MD
• Panel Discussions, Q&A, and Course Conclusions — Course Directors and Faculty

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe current understanding of epidemiology, risk factors, pathobiology, societal costs, and clinical distinctions across the dementia spectrum including normal aging, MCI, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurodegenerative dementias.
• Differentiate phases of Alzheimer’s disease including preclinical, mild cognitive impairment due to AD, and AD dementia.
• Summarize tiered diagnostic and management approaches and future experimental therapeutics for Alzheimer’s spectrum disorders.
• Distinguish Alzheimer’s disease and its variants from other dementias based on neuropathology, clinical criteria, neural systems involvement, and biomarkers.
• Explain individualized evaluation and management strategies combining early detection, psychoeducation, pharmacologic approaches, caregiver support, and medico-legal considerations.
• Apply appropriate use of cognitive testing, laboratory studies, imaging, and biomarkers in dementia diagnosis and management.
• Demonstrate understanding of neural processes supporting cognition including memory, language, attention, executive function, visuospatial, and motor systems.
• Integrate office-based screening instruments and neuropsychological assessments for efficient diagnosis and monitoring of cognitive disorders.
• Interpret clinical and research applications of biomarkers including CSF assays and PET imaging in dementia evaluation.
• Implement pharmacologic strategies with attention to indications, risks, and alternatives in dementia care.
• Apply behavioral and non-pharmacologic approaches as first-line treatments for neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia.
• Discuss caregiver challenges and strategies for support including psychosocial counseling and community resources.
• Recognize and manage delirium, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and other uncommon neurocognitive disorders posing dementia risks.
• Incorporate medico-legal and safety practices addressing decision-making capacity, driving, and long-term care in dementia patients.
• Apply ethical principles in disclosure, neuroethics, end-of-life care, and hospice management in dementia.

Speakers

• Alireza Atri, MD, PhD
• Brad Dickerson, MD, MMSc
• Lynn Shaughnessy, PsyD, ABPP/CN
• Andrew Budson, MD
• Matthew P. Frosch, MD, PhD
• David Wolk, MD
• Maria Carrillo, MD
• Randall Bateman, MD
• Ronald Petersen, MD, PhD
• Kirk Daffner, MD, FAAN
• Sandra Weintraub, PhD, ABPP/CN
• Bruce Miller, MD
• M. Marsel Mesulam, MD
• Charles DeCarli, MD, FAAN, FAHA
• James Galvin, MD, MPH
• Janet Sherman, PhD
• Helen Kales, MD
• Clive Ballard, MDB ChB, MRC Psych, MD
• Jason Karlawish, MD
• Mary Mittelman, DrPH
• Katie Brandt, MM
• Robert Stern, PhD
• Jeremy Schmahmann, MD
• Judith G. Edersheim, JD, MD
• Bruce H. Price, MD
• Barry S. Fogel, MD
• Margaret O’Connor, PhD, ABPP/CN
• Mary Norman, MD

This course is organized by Neurology faculty from Harvard Medical School and associated hospitals including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and McLean Hospital, with contributions from internationally recognized experts specializing in cognitive and behavioral neurology.

Target Audience

This course is intended for healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of dementia and cognitive disorders. Primary care physicians, specialists in neurology, geriatrics, psychiatry, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists, and social workers will find this education applicable to clinical practice.

Why This Topic Matters

Harvard Dementia: A Comprehensive Update 2023 (CME VIDEOS) addresses critical advances and practical approaches within the neurology specialty relevant to cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disorders. Staying current with evolving clinical guidelines and diagnostic tools supports strengthened expertise and informed decision-making.

MedHub Central provides ongoing access to this evidence-based content, facilitating continuous professional development and confidence in dementia care. This resource supports clinicians in delivering patient-centered, multidisciplinary management of complex neurocognitive conditions.