2-hour On-Demand: Neurodegenerative Disorders: AZ, PD, & ALS

Course Description & Information:

• When nervous neurons in the brain and spinal cord begin to deteriorate, neurodegenerative diseases occur. Symptoms may be mild to begin with, but as more neurons die, symptoms can cause severe mental and physical debilitation, often leading to patient death. Roughly seven million people in the United States are afflicted with one of the five most common neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s Disease (HD). There are commonalities and differences among these diseases, with regard to etiology, course, and pathophysiology. There are similarities and differences in known or suspected genetic and environmental causes. For some neurodegenerative diseases there are a few therapeutic options, while for others, choices are sparse, and sometimes only palliative. This presentation will look at these five neurodegenerative diseases, discuss their known etiologies, symptoms, and treatment options.
• ACPE UAN: 0826-9999-24-008-H01-P, IRD: 4-29-2024, ERD: 12-31-2024. Knowledge based activity.
• Level: Intermediate
• Expiration Date: 12-31-2024
• Nursing Pharmacy Hours: 2 contact hours

Course Objectives:

• Describe symptoms of each disease, and how some are similar, while others differ.
• Explain the courses of each disease, and the outcomes expected for patients.
• Describe their pathophysiologies.
• Discuss known and suspected genetic and/or environmental causes.
• Explain possible preventative measures that may be taken to avoid or minimize neurodegenerative diseases.
• Discuss current drug treatment choices for patients.
• Identify future treatments that may evolve for each of the neurodegenerative diseases discussed.

Learning Outcome: At least 80% of class participants will score 70% or greater on course post-test.

Course Credit: 2 Contact Hours

Accreditations: View Course Accreditations

Who Should Take This Course:

• Pharmacists, Dietitians, Nursing professionals (2 hours of pharmacotherapeutic credit), Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy professionals, and other medical professionals.

Certificate Requirements:

• Completion of all course materials.
• Completion of course post-test (70%) and course evaluation.

Faculty: Blaine Smith, PhD, PharmD

How to Take an On-Demand Seminar: View Tutorial