Module 5: Behavior in Dementia
Module 5 addresses:
1) Framework for interpreting behavior;
2) Assessment: identifying the meaning of behavior;
3) Individualized care to respond to behavior.
When Behavior Challenges: Responding to Behaviors Associated with Cognitive Loss
Written by:
Lois K. Evans, DNSc, RN, FAAN
Viola MacInnes/Independence Professor in Nursing,
Department Chair Family and Community Health
School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania
Revised in 2013/2014 by:
Pamalyn Kearney, EdD, OTR/L
Associate Professor, Georgia Regents University
Elizabeth Dalton, MSN, GNP-BC
Living Independently for Elders, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Persons whose ability to communicate is reduced because of dementia pose great challenges for caregivers. In this module we will examine ways to understand behavior as a form of communication for these elders, learn how to make sense of that behavior and to design individualized ways to meet elders' needs that may prevent or lessen the behaviors.
The teaching materials for this module include a PowerPoint presentation that contains notes for the speaker. These notes provide additional information so that the speaker can ellaborate on each concept presented within the PowerPoint. There is also a downloadable video below. Please make sure to download the video as the PowerPoint presentation makes mention of the video.
If you are using Firefox on a PC, right click on the video link and select, "Save link as...." If you are using Internet Explorer you will select, "Save Target As...."
If you are using a Mac, press the Control key and click on the video link and then select "Save link as...".
If you would like to create handouts from the PowerPoint file for your attendees and do not know how, please visit the following link:
How to Create Handouts for Attendees from PowerPoint
If you would like to create a printout of the slides that also contains the notes for the instructor, please visit the following link:
How to Create Notes Pages for Presenters in PowerPoint
Please note that there is a Disqus commenting field at the bottom of this page. The Geriatric Education Center of Greater Philadelphia would greatly appreciate any feedback.
Teaching Materials:
Generic Module Files:
Module-specific Files:
Module 5: Behaviors in Dementia - Additional Instructions for Using This Module
Module 5: Behaviors in Dementia - Introduction
Module 5: Behaviors in Dementia - Key Concepts
Module 5: Behaviors in Dementia - Learning Objectives
Module 5: Behaviors in Dementia - Instructor's PowerPoint Slides with Speaker's Notes
Module 5: Behaviors in Dementia - Behavior Monitor Log
Module 5: Behaviors in Dementia - Handout For Participants
Module 5: Behaviors in Dementia - Video
Module 5: Behaviors in Dementia - Pre- Test and Answer Key
Module 5: Behaviors in Dementia - Post- Test and Answe Key
Module 5: Behaviors in Dementia - Participant Evaluation
Module 5: Behaviors in Dementia - References List