Our brains age throughout life in various ways and clinicians benefit from understanding how the aging brain process impacts individuals that they work with. This course explores the effects of aging on the brain and how the neurological and cognitive functions change as we grow older. Explore the biological, psychological, and social aspects of brain aging, the mechanisms behind age-related changes, neurodegenerative diseases, and strategies for maintaining brain health throughout the lifespan. Case studies and core recommendations will be provided to enhance clinicians ability to support clients and caregivers as they navigate brain changes throughout the lifespan.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Explain patterns of brain changes associated with aging and the relationship between brain aging, cognitive functioning, and functional abilities.
- Define core aspects of DSM-5 Neurocognitive Disorder assessment procedures and practices
- Identify at least five modifiers of age-related brain changes and identify at least three ways that clinicians can support brain health in clients.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Explain patterns of brain changes associated with aging and the relationship between brain aging, cognitive functioning, and functional abilities.
- Opening case vignette examples
- Overview of the brain
- Core functions for physical and cognitive functioning
- Understanding cognitive changes in aging
- Video: “What happens to your brain as you age”
Objective #2: Define core aspects of DSM-5 Neurocognitive Disorder assessment procedures and practices
- Neurocognitive disorders – DSM-5 review
- Video: “Neurocognitive disorders”
- When is change a concern?
- Cognitive assessments review
- The diagnostic process
- Common risk factors, problems
- Physical, social, mental health, environmental
- Dementia: modifiable factors
- Cardiovascular risks
- Common problems for elders with dementia
Objective #3: Identify at least five modifiers of age-related brain changes and identify at least three ways that clinicians can support brain health in clients.
- Recommended strategies
- Optimal care model
- Risk modification: diet, exercise, sleep, social connections, stress management, enhancing religion/spirituality, mental activities, mindfulness and outlook
- Therapeutic interventions for clinicians
- Interventions to address diminished capacity
- Dignity therapy model
- Values assessment
- Life review
- Temporary and reversible causes of confusion
- Caregiver support and recommendations
- Featured case studies: Dorothy Williams and Frank Smith
Helpful Resources, Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: March 17, 2026
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2025 - 08/6/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com