Evaluation and Treatment of the Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia –
A Program for Medical Directors and Advanced Clinicians
Monday, December 7, 2026
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Virtual
Event Description
Neuropsychiatric symptoms—including agitation, aggression, depression, anxiety, psychosis, sleep disturbance, apathy, and wandering—are extremely common among people living with dementia and are major contributors to distress for residents, families, and care teams. This presentation will provide a practical, person-centered framework for understanding and managing these symptoms across the course of dementia.
Using a clinical case, the presentation will emphasize the importance of identifying the underlying causes and triggers of behavioral symptoms, including dementia-related brain changes as well as potentially modifiable medical, environmental, and interpersonal factors. Particular attention will be given to nonpharmacologic approaches as first-line treatment, including modification of the environment, communication strategies, meaningful activity, exercise, music, sleep and routine interventions, and caregiver education.
The presentation will also review when medication may be appropriate for persistent, severe, or potentially dangerous symptoms; the benefits and risks of commonly used pharmacologic treatments; and newer and emerging approaches for severe agitation.
Learning Objectives:
The overall goal is to provide clinicians and care teams with an integrated approach that prioritizes comfort, safety, dignity, and quality of life for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
1. Identify and assess common neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia and evaluate medical, psychiatric,
environmental, and person-specific factors that may contribute to their development.
2. Apply person-centered, nonpharmacologic strategies as first-line interventions for agitation and other
behavioral symptoms, matching interventions to the individual resident’s needs, triggers, abilities, and environment.
3. Describe an evidence-informed approach to pharmacologic treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including
indications, potential benefits and adverse effects of commonly used medications and the emerging role of newer
treatment strategies for severe or treatment-resistant agitation.
Presenter: Brent Forester, M.D., Psychiatrist in Chief and Chair, Department of Psychiatry - Tufts Medical Center; Director of Behavioral Health and Physician Co-Director, Neuroscience and Behavioral Health Service Line - Tufts Medicine; Dr. Frances S. Arkin Chair and Professor of Psychiatry - Tufts University School of Medicine.
CEUs: 1.0
Target Audience: Medical Directors, Attending MDs, Advanced Practice Nurses, Physician Assistants, Directors of Nursing, Clinical Staff, and Contracted Staff (Behavioral Health providers)
Cost:
Mass Senior Care Member - $70
Non-member - $140
Cancellation Policy:
Mass Senior Care will be notified in writing no later than 48 hours prior to the start of the seminar for a refund, minus a $25 processing fee, which will be refunded in the manner in which the payment was made. “No Show” attendees will be billed at the full registration fee. Cancellations should be emailed to info@maseniorcare.org.