Harvard Dementia A Comprehensive Update 2025

The spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases spans from asymptomatic preclinical disease to very mild cognitive impairment to frank dementia. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is a devastating condition that affects patients and their whole family of caregivers at tremendous emotional and financial cost. Dementia: A Comprehensive Update is a three-and-a-half day, annual, review course designed by clinicians for clinicians. The course is organized by Neurology faculty members of Harvard Medical School who specialize in the care of patients with cognitive and behavioral disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, McLean Hospital, and Banner Sun Health Research Institute/Banner Health. The course takes a practical and multidisciplinary approach to understanding and treating dementia and is designed for healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis, management, and investigation of disease states causing dementia.
This cutting-edge course is in its 28th year, includes locally, nationally and internationally renowned faculty, and attracts 300-400 participants from throughout the U.S. and the world. The organization of the course takes an integrative approach by interweaving lectures within the main program that establish the neuroanatomical and cognitive framework underlying disorders of cognition; address specific diseases (e.g. AD, vascular cognitive impairment/dementia, Parkinsonian dementias, frontotemporal dementias); and discuss the latest clinical practices and research approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of dementing illnesses (e.g. Alzheimer’s Association Clinical Practice Guidelines; practical office-based assessments; application of biomarkers, spinal fluid and amyloid/tau PET imaging in dementia; clinical treatment; prevention and experimental trials), with optional, fee-based programs. New this year will be a discussion of recently approved disease-modifying therapies for AD. Lectures and programs also provide education on special topics in dementia such as managing problem behaviors; disclosure of diagnosis and risk; chronic traumatic encephalopathy; caregiving in dementia; pain, palliation, hospice care; medicolegal issues; capacity and competence; undue influence; driving; long-term/ nursing home care; delirium and dementia; neuroethics; advanced care planning; and neuropsychology of aging.
Who Should Attend

Nurses
Primary Care Physicians
Specialty Physicians
Psychologists
Physician Assistants
Nurse Practitioners
Social Workers
Other

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

 Describe current understanding of epidemiology, risk factors, pathobiology, societal costs, clinical differences, gaps in knowledge, and challenges in distinguishing and managing the spectra of normal cognitive aging, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and other neurodegenerative dementias.
Distinguish pre-clinical AD, MCI due to AD/prodromal AD, and AD dementia phases.
Summarize tiered diagnostic and management approaches, and future experimental therapeutics strategies under consideration for risk reduction, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the AD spectrum.
Differentiate, based on neuropathology, affected neural systems, clinical criteria and biomarkers, AD and its atypical variants from other common dementias including Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI)/Vascular-Ischemic Dementia, Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), Parkinson’s disease with Dementia (PDD), Parkinson’s-Plus Syndromes and less common dementias.
Identify and explain the importance of evidence-based and coordinated individualized approaches to the evaluation and management of MCI, AD, and neurodegenerative dementias that stress combining: (i) early and accurate detection, assessment, and monitoring; (ii) psycho-education and non-pharmacological interventions; (iii) pharmacological strategies; and (iv) caregiver, psychosocial/environmental, quality of life, ethical, medico-legal and end-of-life considerations.
 Apply data-supported diagnostic, behavioral, pharmacological, and environmental strategies, including appropriate and tiered use of cognitive tests/measures, labs, and imaging studies/biomarkers; and delineation of expectations, roles (i.e., indications and benefits), cautions (i.e., risks, side-effects, warnings) and treatment nuances in the interdisciplinary management of CI, AD, and neurodegenerative dementias.
Demonstrate neural processes and functional networks that support perception and cognitive systems including memory, language, attentional, frontal/executive, visuospatial, and motor systems.
Explain the roles of office-based screening instruments, mental status exam (MSE), and neuropsychological evaluation in the diagnosis and management of dementia; develop efficient approaches to MSE and use of screening instruments (e.g. MOCA); and interpret and compare cognitive testing/neuropsychological performance patterns for different conditions and clinical syndromes (e.g. MCI, AD, FTD, primary progressive aphasias, posterior cortical atrophy, DLB).
Utilize appropriate laboratory tests, imaging studies, and neuropsychological testing for the diagnosis of dementia in clinical practice; incorporate appropriate use of clinical biomarkers (e.g. CSF a-beta/tau, MRI, FDG- and Amyloid-PET) in evaluation of neurodegenerative dementias to differentiate AD and non-AD processes; and explain clinical versus research use, and apply appropriate use criteria/guidelines to the clinical use of amyloid PET imaging in the diagnosis of AD-like syndromes.
Apply data-supported pharmacologic management strategies including the roles (i.e., indications and benefits), cautions (i.e., risks, side-effects, warnings), and potential alternatives to cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, antipsychotics, and antidepressants in dementia and AD.
Integrate a holistic approach to the management of problem behaviors and neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g. aggression, apathy, anxiety, depression, psychosis) in individuals with dementia that stresses education, and behavioral and non-pharmacological interventions as first-line approaches.
Discuss the important role and the challenges and risks caregivers face; describe strategies to help dementia caregivers cope and better care for themselves and patients with dementia including psychosocial counseling, community support resources, and respite care.
Identify delirium/encephalopathy and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) as dementia risks or entities.
Develop appropriate practices concerning medico-legal and safety issues surrounding patients with dementia, including capacity with regards to medical care, finances, contracts, independent living, and driving; and integrate medico-legal and safety practices to support and safeguard patients and families, and the public-at-large.
Describe issues related to dementia neuroethics, and implement effective practices in the long-term care/nursing-home environment and in end-stage dementia regarding medical, legal, and ethical issues including recognition and treatment of delirium/encephalopathy and pain, providing palliation and hospice care, and managing end-of-life issues related to dementia.

 
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Agenda.pdf
May 28 AD Dementia Practical Evaluation & Management in Clinical Practice Alireza Atri, MD, PhD.mp4
May 28 AD Dementia Practical Evaluation & Management in Clinical Practice Alireza Atri, MD, PhD.pdf
May 28 Advances in AD Experimental Therapeutics Alireza Atri, MD, PhD.mp4
May 28 Advances in AD Experimental Therapeutics Alireza Atri, MD, PhD.pdf
May 28 Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias Global Perspectives and Opportunities Heather Snyder, PhD.mp4
May 28 Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias Global Perspectives and Opportunities Heather Snyder, PhD.pdf
May 28 Alzheimer’s Disease Pathobiological Definitions & Prevention Strategies Suzanne Schindler, MD, PhD.mp4
May 28 Alzheimer’s Disease Pathobiological Definitions & Prevention Strategies Suzanne Schindler, MD, PhD.pdf
May 28 From Proteinopathies to Neuroimaging & Biomarkers in AD ADRD Primer on Practice and Advances David Wolk, MD.mp4
May 28 From Proteinopathies to Neuroimaging & Biomarkers in AD ADRD Primer on Practice and Advances David Wolk, MD.pdf
May 28 Full Live.mp4
May 28 Human Cognition An Overview Brad Dickerson, MD, MMSc.mp4
May 28 Human Cognition An Overview Brad Dickerson, MD, MMSc.pdf
May 28 Introduction to the Course Alireza Atri, MD, PhD.mp4
May 28 Memory Systems & Amnesia Andrew Budson, MD.mp4
May 28 Memory Systems & Amnesia Andrew Budson, MD.pdf
May 28 Mild Cognitive Impairment Prodromal AD and Beyond Ronald Petersen, MD, PhD.mp4
May 28 Mild Cognitive Impairment Prodromal AD and Beyond Ronald Petersen, MD, PhD.pdf
May 28 Neuropathology of AD ADRD A Guide for Practicing Clinicians Matthew P. Frosch, MD, PhD.mp4
May 28 Neuropathology of AD ADRD A Guide for Practicing Clinicians Matthew P. Frosch, MD, PhD.pdf
May 28 Panel Discussion and Q&A Alireza Atri, MD, PhD; Brad Dickerson, MD, MMSc 1.mp4
May 28 Panel Discussion and Q&A Alireza Atri, MD, PhD; Brad Dickerson, MD, MMSc 2.mp4
May 29 Assessment of Cognition in Clinical Practice Alireza Atri, MD, PhD.pdf
May 29 Assessment of Daily Function and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Behavior and Staging of Dementia in Practice Brad Dickerson, MD, MMSc.mp4
May 29 Assessment of Daily Function and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Behavior and Staging of Dementia in Practice Brad Dickerson, MD, MMSc.pdf
May 29 Attentional and Executive Systems – Don’t Leave Home without Them Kirk Daffner, MD.mp4
May 29 Attentional and Executive Systems – Don’t Leave Home without Them Kirk Daffner, MD.pdf
May 29 Cased-Based Discussion of Lecanemab Alireza Atri, MD, PhD; Brad Dickerson, MD; David Wolk, MD FAAN 1.pdf
May 29 Cased-Based Discussion of Lecanemab Alireza Atri, MD, PhD; Brad Dickerson, MD; David Wolk, MD FAAN 2.pdf
May 29 Cased-Based Discussion of Lecanemab Alireza Atri, MD, PhD; Brad Dickerson, MD; David Wolk, MD FAAN.mp4
May 29 Frontotemporal Dementias Focus on Behaviorall Executive Variants Bruce Miller, MD.mp4
May 29 Frontotemporal Dementias Focus on Behaviorall Executive Variants Bruce Miller, MD.pdf
May 29 Full Live.mp4
May 29 Language Systems & Aphasia-Predominant Dementia Syndromes M. Marsel Mesulam, MD.mp4
May 29 Language Systems & Aphasia-Predominant Dementia Syndromes M. Marsel Mesulam, MD.pdf
May 29 Lewy Body Disease, and Parkinsonian & Sensorimotor-predominant Dementias James Galvin, MD, MPH.pdf
May 29 Neuropsychology of Aging Sandra Weintraub, PhD.mp4
May 29 Neuropsychology of Aging Sandra Weintraub, PhD.pdf
May 29 Panel Discussion and Q&A Alireza Atri, MD, PhD.mp4
May 29 Panel Discussion and Q&A Alireza Atri, MD, PhD; Brad Dickerson, MD, MMSc.mp4
May 29 Practical Compensatory Strategies for Cognitive Decline Lynn Shaughnessy, PsyD.mp4
May 29 Practical Compensatory Strategies for Cognitive Decline Lynn Shaughnessy, PsyD.pdf
May 29 Updates on Vascular Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Charles DeCarli, MD, FAAN, FAHA.mp4
May 29 Updates on Vascular Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Charles DeCarli, MD, FAAN, FAHA.pdf
May 30 Caregiving in Dementia Impact, Consequences & Opportunities Mary Mittelman, DrPH.pdf
May 30 Caregiving in Dementia- Impact, Consequences & Opportunities Mary Mittelman, DrPH.mp4
May 30 Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) & Dementia Robert Stern, PhD.mp4
May 30 Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) & Dementia Robert Stern, PhD.pdf
May 30 Community Advocacy and Activism For Dementias Katie Brandt, MM.mp4
May 30 Community Advocacy and Activism For Dementias Katie Brandt, MM.pdf
May 30 Delirium, Encephalopathies and Uncommon Dementias Jeremy Schmahmann, MD.mp4
May 30 Delirium, Encephalopathies and Uncommon Dementias Jeremy Schmahmann, MD.pdf
May 30 Full Live.mp4
May 30 Morning Introductions Alireza Atri, MD, PhD.mp4
May 30 Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Problem Behaviors in Dementia Helen Kales, MD.mp4
May 30 Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Problem Behaviors in Dementia Helen Kales, MD.pdf
May 30 Panel Discussion and Q&A Alireza Atri, MD, PhD.mp4
May 30 Panel Discussion, Q&A and Conclusions Alireza Atri, MD, PhD; Brad Dickerson, MD, MMSc.mp4
May 30 Pharmacological Management of Behavioral Problems in Dementia Clive Ballard, MDB ChB, MRC Psych, MD.mp4
May 30 Pharmacological Management of Behavioral Problems in Dementia Clive Ballard, MDB ChB, MRC Psych, MD.pdf
May 30 Practical & Ethical Considerations for Disclosure of Dementia-Related Diagnosis and Risk Jason Karlawish, MD.mp4
May 30 Practical & Ethical Considerations for Disclosure of Dementia-Related Diagnosis and Risk Jason Karlawish, MD.pdf
May 31 Advance Care Planning & Management of End-stage Dementia, Pain, Palliation & Hospice in Long-Term Care Mary Norman, MD.mp4
May 31 Advance Care Planning & Management of End-stage Dementia, Pain, Palliation & Hospice in Long-Term Care Mary Norman, MD.pdf
May 31 Dementia & The Law- Clinical Pearls on Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence – Bruce H. Price, MD.pdf
May 31 Dementia & The Law- Clinical Pearls on Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence – Judith G. Edersheim, JD, MD.pdf
May 31 Dementia & The Law- Clinical Pearls on Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence – Judith G. Edersheim, JD, MD; Bruce H. Price, MD.mp4
May 31 Driving, Home & Community Safety and Dementia Margaret O’Connor, PhD, ABPP CN.mp4
May 31 Driving, Home & Community Safety and Dementia Margaret O’Connor, PhD, ABPP CN.pdf
May 31 Full Live.mp4
May 31 Morning Introductions Alireza Atri, MD, PhD.mp4
May 31 Panel Discussion, Q&A and Conclusions Alireza Atri, MD, PhD; Brad Dickerson, MD, MMSc.mp4
May 31 Principles & Practice of Mental Capacity and Competence in Dementia From Finances to Firearms Barry S. Fogel, MD.mp4
May 31 Principles & Practice of Mental Capacity and Competence in Dementia From Finances to Firearms Barry S. Fogel, MD.pdf