Dementia: A Comprehensive Update
- Continuing Education
Equip health care professionals with the latest clinical guidelines, diagnostic tools, and emerging disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
- Live Online or In Person
This course is taught online or in person.
Fairmont Copley Plaza | 137 St. James Ave, Boston, MA 02116
$870 Save with early registration
For a full list of profession pricing see below.
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Fee increases to $945 after
Continuing Education
Earn up to:
25.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ™
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Three Days
Please view the Schedule for a full description of the program.
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Overview
The spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases spans from asymptomatic preclinical disease to very mild cognitive impairment to frank dementia. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is a devastating condition that affects patients and their whole family of caregivers at tremendous emotional and financial cost. Dementia: A Comprehensive Update is a three-and-a-half day, annual, review course designed by clinicians for clinicians. The course is organized by Neurology faculty members of Harvard Medical School who specialize in the care of patients with cognitive and behavioral disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, McLean Hospital, and Banner Sun Health Research Institute/Banner Health. The course takes a practical and multidisciplinary approach to understanding and treating dementia and is designed for health care professionals involved in the diagnosis, management, and investigation of disease states causing dementia. This cutting-edge course is in its 29th year, includes locally, nationally and internationally renowned faculty, and attracts 300-400 participants from throughout the U.S. and the world. The organization of the course takes an integrative approach by interweaving lectures within the main program that establish the neuroanatomical and cognitive framework underlying disorders of cognition, address specific diseases (e.g. AD, vascular cognitive impairment/dementia, Parkinsonian dementias, frontotemporal dementias), and discuss the latest clinical practices and research approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of dementing illnesses (e.g. Alzheimer’s Association Clinical Practice Guidelines, practical office-based assessments, application of biomarkers, spinal fluid and amyloid/tau PET imaging in dementia, clinical treatment, and prevention and experimental trials), with optional, fee-based programs. New this year will be a discussion of recently approved disease-modifying therapies for AD. Lectures and programs also provide education on special topics in dementia such as managing problem behaviors, disclosure of diagnosis and risk, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, caregiving in dementia, pain, palliation, hospice care, medicolegal issues, capacity and competence, undue influence, driving, long-term/ nursing home care, delirium and dementia, neuroethics, advanced care planning, and neuropsychology of aging.
Learning Objectives
- Describe current understanding of epidemiology, risk factors, pathobiology, societal costs, clinical differences, gaps in knowledge, and challenges in distinguishing and managing the spectra of normal cognitive aging, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and other neurodegenerative dementias.
- Summarize tiered diagnostic and management approaches, including the new Clinical Practice Guidelines sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association for the diagnostic evaluation of patients with cognitive impairment. Summarize current and future experimental therapeutics strategies under consideration for risk reduction, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the AD spectrum.
- Differentiate, based on neuropathology, affected neural systems, clinical criteria and biomarkers, AD and its atypical variants from other common dementias including Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI)/Vascular-Ischemic Dementia, Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), Parkinson’s disease with Dementia (PDD), Parkinson’s-Plus Syndromes and less common dementias.
- Identify and explain the importance of evidence-based and coordinated individualized approaches to the evaluation and management of MCI, AD and neurodegenerative dementias that stress combining: (i) early and accurate detection, assessment and monitoring; (ii) psycho-education and non-pharmacological interventions; (iii) pharmacological strategies; and (iv) caregiver, psychosocial/environmental, quality of life, ethical, medico-legal and end-of-life considerations.
- Apply data-supported diagnostic, behavioral, pharmacological, and environmental strategies, including appropriate and tiered use of cognitive tests/measures, labs, and imaging studies/biomarkers; and delineation of expectations, roles (i.e., indications and benefits), cautions (i.e., risks, side-effects, warnings) and treatment nuances in the interdisciplinary management of CI, AD and neurodegenerative dementias.
- Explain the roles of office-based screening instruments, mental status exam (MSE) and neuropsychological evaluation in the diagnosis and management of dementia; develop efficient approaches to MSE and use of screening instruments (e.g. MOCA); and interpret and compare cognitive testing/neuropsychological performance patterns for different conditions and clinical syndromes (e.g. MCI, AD, FTD, primary progressive aphasias, posterior cortical atrophy, DLB).
- Utilize appropriate laboratory tests, imaging studies, and neuropsychological testing for the diagnosis of dementia in clinical practice; incorporate appropriate use of clinical biomarkers (e.g. CSF a-beta/tau, MRI, FDG- and Amyloid-PET) in evaluation of neurodegenerative dementias to differentiate AD and non-AD processes; and explain clinical versus research use, and apply appropriate use criteria/guidelines for the clinical use of biomarkers in the diagnosis of AD-like syndromes.
- Apply data-supported pharmacologic management strategies including the roles (i.e., indications and benefits), cautions (i.e., risks, side-effects, warnings) and potential alternatives to using cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, antipsychotics and antidepressants in dementia and AD.
- Integrate a holistic approach to management of problem behaviors and neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g. aggression, apathy, anxiety, depression, psychosis) in individuals with dementia that stresses education, and behavioral and non-pharmacological interventions as first-line approaches.
- Discuss the important role, and the challenges and risks caregivers face; describe strategies to help dementia caregivers cope and better care for themselves and for patients with dementia including psychosocial counseling, community support resources, and respite care.
- Develop appropriate practices concerning medico-legal and safety issues surrounding patients with dementia, including capacity with regards to medical care, finances, contracts, independent living, and driving; and integrate medico-legal and safety practices to support and safeguard patients and families, and the public-at-large.
- Describe issues related to dementia neuroethics, and implement effective practices in the long-term care/nursing-home environment and in end-stage dementia regarding medical, legal, and ethical issues including recognition and treatment of delirium/encephalopathy and pain, providing palliation and hospice care, and managing end-of-life issues related to dementia.
- Demonstrate neural processes and functional networks that support perception and cognitive systems including memory, language, attentional, frontal/executive, visuo-spatial, and motor systems.
- Distinguish pre-clinical AD, MCI due to AD/prodromal AD, and AD dementia phases.
- Identify delirium/encephalopathy and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy(CTE) as a dementia risks or entities.
Developed and Offered By:
Continuing Education courses are developed by faculty from Harvard Medical School's teaching hospitals and accredited by Harvard Medical School. This course is offered by Massachusetts General Hospital.
Who Should Participate
Specialty Physicians, Psychologists, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Primary Care Physicians, Social Workers, and Others.
Schedule
All agenda sessions are in Eastern Time.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Introduction to the Course and Pre-Test
8:05-8:20 am
Human Cognition: An Overview
8:20-9:20 am
Memory Systems & Amnesia
9:20-9:55 am
Neuropathology of AD/ADRD: A Guide for Practicing Clinicians
9:55-10:30 am
From Proteinopathies to Neuroimaging & Biomarkers in AD/ADRD: Primer on Practice and Advances
10:30-11:15 am
Break
11:15-11:30 am
Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias: Global Perspectives and Opportunities
11:30 am-12:00 pm
Alzheimer's Disease Pathobiological Definitions & Prevention Strategies
12:00-12:20 pm
Panel Discussion and Q&A
12:20-12:45 pm
Lunch Break
12:45-1:45 pm
Afternoon Introductions
1:45-1:50 pm
AD Dementia: Practical Evaluation & Management in Clinical Practice
1:50-3:00 pm
Break
3:00-3:15 pm
Mild Cognitive Impairment: Prodromal AD and Beyond
3:15-4:00 pm
Advances in AD Experimental Therapeutics
4:00-4:55 pm
Panel Discussion and Q&A
4:55-5:30 pm
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Morning PreTest
8:30-8:35 am
Neuropsychology of Aging
8:35-9:15 am
Attentional and Executive Systems - Don't Leave Home without Them
9:15-9:55 am
Frontotemporal Dementias: Focus on Behaviorall/Executive Variants
9:55-10:35 am
Break
10:35-10:50 am
Language Systems & Aphasia-predominant Dementia Syndromes
10:50-11:30 am
Updates on Vascular Cognitive Impairment & Dementia
11:30 am-12:10 pm
Panel Discussion and Q&A
12:10-12:40 pm
Lunch Break
12:40-1:40 pm
Afternoon Introductions
1:40-1:45 pm
Lewy Body Disease, and Parkinsonian & Sensorimotor-predominant Dementias
1:45-2:35 pm
Assessment of Cognition in Clinical Practice
2:35-2:55 pm
Practical Compensatory Strategies for Cognitive Decline
2:55-3:15 pm
Assessment of Daily Function and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms/Behavior and Staging of Dementia in Practice
3:15-3:40 pm
Break
3:40-3:55 pm
Cased-based discussion of Lecanemab
3:55-5:05 pm
Panel Discussion and Q&A
5:05-5:35 pm
Friday, May 29, 2026
Morning Introductions
8:30-8:35 am
Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Problem Behaviors in Dementia
8:35-9:30 am
Pharmacological Management of Behavioral Problems in Dementia
9:30-10:25 am
Break
10:25-10:40 am
Practical & Ethical Considerations for Disclosure of Demetia-Related Diagnosis and Risk
10:40-11:25 am
Caregiving in Dementia: Impact, Consequences & Opportunities
11:25 am-12:05 pm
Panel Discussion and Q&A
12:05-12:40 pm
Lunch Break
12:40-1:40 pm
Afternoon Introductions
1:40-1:45 pm
Community Advocacy and Activism For Dementias
1:45-2:00 pm
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) & Dementia
2:00-2:45 pm
Break
2:45-3:00 pm
Delirium, Encephalopathies and Uncommon Dementias
3:00-4:00 pm
Panel Discussion, Q&A and Conclusions
4:00-4:45 pm
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Introduction to Symposium
8:30-8:40 am
Dementia & The Law: Clinical Pearls on Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence
8:40-9:15 am
Principles & Practice of Mental Capacity and Competence in Dementia: From Finances to Firearms
9:15-10:15 am
Driving, Home & Community Safety and Dementia
10:15-10:50 am
Break
10:50-11:05 am
Advance Care Planning & Management of End-stage Dementia, Pain, Palliation & Hospice in Long-Term Care
11:05-11:55 am
Panel Discussion, Q & A, and conclusions
11:55 am-12:45 pm
Faculty
Harvard Medical School Continuing Education attracts the best and brightest faculty from all around the world. As a student in this course, you’ll have access to outstanding course directors and faculty.
Course Directors
Brad Dickerson
MD | Course Director
Alireza Atri
MD, PhD | Course Director
Lynn Shaughnessy
PsyD | Associate Course Director
Clive Ballard, MD, MBChB, MMedSci, MRCPsych, FMedSci
University of Exeter, United Kingdom
Katie Brandt, MM
Director of Caregiver Support Services and Public Relations, Frontotemporal Disorders Unit and Laboratory of Neuroimaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
Andrew E. Budson, MD
Chief of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology, VA Boston Healthcare System
Associate Director, Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
Professor of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine
Lecturer in Neurology, Harvard Medical School
Maria C. Carrillo, PhD
Chief Science Officer & Medical Affairs Lead, Alzheimer's Association
Kirk R. Daffner, MD, FANA, FAAN, FANPA
Director of the Center for Brain/Mind Medicine, Mass General Brigham
J. David and Virginia Wimberly Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
Charles DeCarli, MD, FAAN, FAHA
Distinguished Professor of Neurology
Victor and Genevieve Orsi Chair in Alzheimer's Research
Co-Director, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
Chief, Imaging of Dementia and Aging (IDeA) Laboratory, Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis
Judith G. Edersheim, JD, MD
Founding Co-Director, The MGH Center for Law, Brain and Behavior
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
Barry Fogel, MA, MBA, MD
Center for Brain/Mind Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School
Matthew P. Frosch, MD, PhD
Lawrence J. Henderson Professor of Pathology, HMS
Associate Director of the Harvard/MIT Division of Health Sciences & Technology (HST)
Director, Neuropathology Service, MGH
C.S. Kubik Laboratory for Neuropathology
MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases
James E. Galvin, MD, MPH
Alexandria and Bernard Schoninger Endowed Chair in Memory Disorders
Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Chief, Division of Cognitive Neurology
Director, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health
Director and Principal Investigator, Lewy Body Dementia Research Center of Excellence
Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Helen Kales, MD
Joe P. Tupin Endowed Professor
Chair, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis
Jason Karlawish, MD
Fellow, Institute on Aging, University of Pennsylvania
Director, Outreach: Recruitment Core (Core E, Alzheimer's Disease Center) , University of Pennsylvania
Attending Physician, Penn Memory Center 1 afternoon/week
Senior Fellow, Leonard Davis Institute, University of Pennsylvania
Faculty, Penn Center for Neuroscience and Society, University of Pennsylvania
Director, Penn Neurodegenerative Disease Ethics and Policy Program, University of Pennsylvania
Director, Penn Healthy Brain Research Center, University of Pennsylvania
Co-Director, Penn Memory Center, University of Pennsylvania
Director, Research Education Component (Core F), Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Pennsylvania
Senior Fellow, Penn Center for Public Health Initiative, University of Pennsylvania
M Marsel Mesulam, MD
Chief of Behavioral Neurology, Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology
Ruth Dunbar Davee Professor of Neuroscience, Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology
Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
Bruce Miller, MD
A.W. and Mary Margaret Clausen Distinguished Professor in Neurology
Director, Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center
Founding Director, Global Brain Health Institute
University of California, San Francisco
Mary Mittelman, DrPH
Research Professor, Departments of Psychiatry and Rehabilitative Medicine
Director, NYU Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Family Support Program
New York University School of Medicine
New York University Langone Health
Mary Norman, MD
General Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Cedars Sinai
Margaret O'Connor, PhD, ABPP
Neuropsychologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Associate Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
Ronald Peterson, MD, PhD
Cora Kanow Professor of Alzheimer's Disease Research, Mayo Clinic
Bruce H. Price, MD
Chief, Department of Neurology, McLean Hospital
Associate Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
Founding Co-Director, The MGH Center for Law, Brain and Behavior
Jeremy Schmahmann, MD
Director, Massachusetts General Hospital Ataxia Center
Director, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Massachusetts General Hospital
Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
Robert A. Stern, PhD
Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Anatomy & Neurobiology
Co-Founder and Director of Clinical Research, BU CTE Center
Senior Scientist, BU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Sandra Weintraub, PhD
Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
Professor, Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
Professor, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University
David A. Wolk, MD, FAAN
Professor
Director, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
Co-Director, Penn Institute on Aging
Co-Director, Penn Memory Center
Division Chief, Cognitive Neurology
Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania
Non-Conflicted Course Reviewer
David L. Perez MD, MMSc, FAAN, FANPA, FANA, FAPA
Chief, Mass General Brigham Division of Behavioral Neurology
Founding Director, MGH FND Unit and FND Research Group
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Center for Brain/Mind Medicine
Mass General Brigham, Departments of Neurology & Psychiatry
Assoc. Professor of Neurology & Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
Course Administrator
Raseeka O’Chander, MA
Associate Director of Clinical Research and Operations
Frontotemporal Disorders Unit and Laboratory of Neuroimaging
Massachusetts General Hospital
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Course Fees
Registration Details
You may register through our secure online environment and will receive an email confirmation upon receipt of your payment. Prices include CME credit, electronic syllabus, and most of the recordings are available for up to 90 days after the course ends. At the end of the registration process, a $10 non-refundable processing fee will be added to your registration.
Early Registration Deadline:
| Role | Course Fee | Early Registration Course Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Physician (MD/DO) | $945 | $870 |
| Nurse (RN/APRN) | $595 | $520 |
| PA | $595 | $520 |
| Psychologist | $595 | $520 |
| Resident/Fellow | $595 | $520 |
| Social Worker | $595 | $520 |
| Allied Health Professional / Other | $595 | $520 |
Accreditation
The Harvard Medical School designates this live activity for a maximum of 25.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
For the purpose of recertification, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board and American Nurses Credentialing Center accept AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ issued by organizations accredited by the ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education). We would also suggest that learners check with their state licensing board to ensure they accept reciprocity with AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for re-licensure.
The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) states that AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ are acceptable for continuing medical education requirements for recertification. We would also suggest that learners check with their state licensing board to ensure they accept reciprocity with AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for re-licensure.
Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has an agreement of mutual recognition of continuing medical education (CME) credit with the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). Additional information regarding this agreement may be found on the Union of European Medical Specialists website.
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada recognizes conferences and workshops held outside of Canada that are developed by a university, academy, hospital, specialty society or college as accredited group learning activities.