Dementia in men

This course provides a thorough exploration of dementia in men, with a focus on recognizing risk factors, conducting assessments, and offering appropriate treatments. Dr. Brad Lipson offers a comprehensive approach to understanding how dementia uniquely impacts male patients. The course is divided into five detailed units:

Unit 1: Introduction to Male Mental Health
This unit provides an overview of male mental health, emphasizing the unique challenges men face in seeking care for mental health issues. Participants will learn how dementia often coexists with depression and other psychiatric conditions in men. The importance of early screening for cognitive decline and mental health disorders, particularly in men over 65, is discussed, along with the social and psychological barriers men face in accessing care​.

Unit 2: Risk Factors
In this unit, Dr. Lipson covers the various risk factors for dementia in men, such as midlife obesity, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and head trauma. The impact of genetics, including APOE gene variations, is also discussed, alongside lifestyle factors like physical inactivity and poor diet. Participants will learn how these factors contribute to the development of dementia and how early intervention can mitigate these risks​.

Unit 3: Assessment Options
This unit introduces the tools and techniques used to assess dementia in male patients. Dr. Lipson explains the use of cognitive screening instruments, such as the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS), as well as neuroimaging techniques. The unit also addresses how to distinguish dementia from conditions like depression and mild cognitive impairment, emphasising the importance of comprehensive assessments​.

Unit 4: Depressed, Delirious, or Demented
This unit focuses on differentiating between dementia, depression, and delirium, which can present with overlapping symptoms. Participants will learn how to assess and manage these conditions, taking into account the role of medications and comorbidities. The unit also explores the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, such as agitation and aggression, and provides strategies for managing these challenging behaviours​.

Unit 5: Treatment and Management Options
In the final unit, Dr. Lipson discusses treatment options for managing dementia in men, including both pharmacological approaches, such as cholinesterase inhibitors, and non-pharmacological interventions. Participants will learn how to create individualised care plans that address the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. The unit also highlights the importance of caregiver education and support​.

This course equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge to effectively screen, diagnose, and manage dementia in men, ensuring better health outcomes and quality of life for their patients.