Essentials 9 book: HIV, Dementia, and Neurological Conditions

Upon completion of this self-study program the learner should be better able to

HIV

•  improve the quality of life of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease
• identify behaviors that increase the risk of HIV disease progression
• assess prognosis
• help patients set realistic goals
• manage selected HIV-specific symptoms
• identify the short- and long-term side effects of antiretroviral therapy
• discuss the withdrawal of antiretroviral therapy
• identify methods for coping with multiple losses
• describe recommendations for caring for HIV patients safely.

Dementia

• identify the most common etiologies of dementia and their pathogenesis in the United States
• understand the prevalence of dementia in the United States and its age-related variation
• describe the typical disease course for a person with Alzheimer’s dementia
• describe the currently available pharmacologic therapies for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, including their mechanisms of action, indications, and common side effects
• develop a strategy to assess pain in people with mild-to-moderate and severe-to-end-stage dementia
• list the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
• describe the difference between depression and apathy and understand the unique features of depression in people with dementia, including prevalence, alternative presentations, and treatment options
• list the most commonly used atypical antipsychotics, with dosage recommendations and possible adverse effects
• identify contributing causes to agitation in people with dementia
• recognize frequent complications in patients with end-stage dementia and an approach to their treatment
• review hospice eligibility guidelines for dementia and summarize their limitations
• appreciate the impact of caregiving for people with dementia compared to other life-limiting illnesses

Neurological Conditions

• Recognize common neurological disease presentations
• Understand disease trajectories and prognostic factors for common neurological conditions
• Understand treatment options for common neurological conditions
• Be familiar with end stage issues for common neurological conditions
• Understand when hospice referral is appropriate for common neurological conditions

Authors:
Chris Blais, MD MPH FAAHPM
Jennifer Gabbard, MD
Susan Nelson, MD FACP FAAHPM
Sonia Malhotra, MD

No CME credits available