Neurological Diseases: Assessment, Management and Emerging Advances (Alzheimer’s and Dementia)
A Six-hour Interprofessional Symposium for Healthcare Workers
Sunday, May 17
8:45am – 4:30pm (ET)
Cost:
- Eligible 1199SEIU members: No out-of-pocket costs
- All other participants: $150
Live Webcast (Internet)
The deadline to register for this event is Friday, May 15, noon.
Program Moderator
Lawrence Honig, MD, PhD
Program and Learning Objectives
8:45 am — Participants Log in
9:20 am — Welcome and Introductory Remarks
9:30 am — Overview of Advances in Neurological Assessment and Early Diagnosis
Presenter:
Lawrence Honig, MD, PhD
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation provides an overview of recent advances in neurological assessment and early diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate identification of neurological conditions. It highlights emerging diagnostic tools, clinical approaches and technologies that support earlier detection and improved patient outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Review current approaches and tools used in neurological assessment and early diagnosis;
- Identify early clinical signs and biomarkers associated with common neurological disorders;
- Evaluate the role of emerging technologies and imaging techniques in improving diagnostic accuracy; and
- Apply evidence-based strategies to support early detection and timely intervention in neurological care.
10:30 am — Management of Acute Neurological Conditions: Evidence-based Approaches
Presenter:
Olajide Williams MD, MS
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation focuses on evidence-based approaches to the management of acute neurological conditions, emphasizing rapid assessment, timely intervention and coordinated multidisciplinary care. It highlights current best practices in conditions such as stroke, seizures and neurological emergencies, with a focus on improving outcomes through early recognition, targeted treatment and optimization of acute care pathways.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Describe common acute neurological conditions and their clinical presentation in emergency settings;
- Apply evidence-based guidelines for the management of acute conditions such as stroke, seizures and neurocritical emergencies;
- Evaluate the role of rapid diagnostics, imaging and timely interventions in improving patient outcomes; and
- Identify strategies to optimize acute neurological care through multidisciplinary collaboration and care pathways.
11:30 am — Chronic Neurological Disorders: Long-term Management and Innovations/Lifestyle Pathways to Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention
Presenter:
Yian Gu, MD
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation explores how lifestyle factors contribute to the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, including current evidence on modifiable risk factors—particularly diet and physical activity—and their impact on brain and cognitive health. It will provide an overview of Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly population, describe risk factors that may contribute to the development of the disease or protective factors that can delay or prevent the disease, and describe the ways in which diet and physical activity impact brain health and Alzheimer’s disease risk.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Summarize current evidence and emerging insights related to Alzheimer’s disease prevention;
- Identify key modifiable risk factors that influence brain and cognitive health;
- Describe the epidemiological evidence linking diet and physical activity to brain and cognitive health outcomes; and
- Explain the biological and behavioral pathways through which diet and physical activity may impact Alzheimer’s disease risk.
12:30 pm — Lunch Break
1:30 pm — Pharmacological Management in Alzheimer’s Disease: Safety, Efficacy and Optimization
Presenter:
Carmela Avena-Woods, BS, Pharm, PharmD, BCGP, CTTS
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation provides an overview of pharmacological management of Alzheimer’s disease, including how traditional therapies offer symptomatic relief, while new disease-modifying monoclonal antibodies provide modest slowing of progression, albeit with significant risks. It will address how effective management includes addressing behavioral symptoms and supporting caregivers, as well as the essential role that pharmacists play in Alzheimer’s disease prevention, treatment optimization and patient education.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate the safety and efficacy profiles of commonly used pharmacologic agents in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with attention to adverse effects, drug interactions and patient-specific risk factors;
- Apply evidence-based principles to optimize pharmacotherapy in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, with an emphasis on individualized dosing, therapeutic drug monitoring and integration of clinical guidelines;
- Identify key challenges in the pharmacological management of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, including medication adherence, polypharmacy and special population considerations (e.g., elderly, renal or hepatic impairment); and
- IDemonstrate the role of the pharmacist within interprofessional care teams managing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia to enhance medication safety, improve therapeutic outcomes and support rational drug selection.
2:30 pm — Nutrition in Neurological Disorders: Supporting Brain Health and Recovery
Presenter:
Janet Kolmer Grommet, PhD, RDN
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation explores the critical role of nutrition in supporting brain health and recovery in individuals with neurological disorders. It highlights key nutrients, dietary approaches and evidence-based interventions that can enhance cognitive function, aid recovery and complement medical management.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Describe the role of nutrition in brain health and its impact on neurological disorders;
- Identify key nutrients and dietary patterns that support cognitive function and recovery;
- Evaluate evidence-based nutritional interventions used in the management of neurological conditions; and
- Apply practical strategies to integrate nutrition into comprehensive patient care plans.
3:30 pm — Psychosocial Support and Care Navigation in Neurological Disorders
Presenter:
Dante Tipiani, MSW
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation highlights the psychosocial challenges faced by individuals with neurological disorders and their caregivers and emphasizes the vital role of social workers in providing support, education and care coordination. It addresses practical strategies to navigate services and resources to enhance patient well-being and ensure continuity of care.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Identify common psychosocial challenges experienced by individuals with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, including cognitive decline, behavioral changes and caregiver burden;
- Describe the role of a social worker in providing psychosocial support, including assessment, counseling and caregiver education; and
- Apply care navigation strategies to connect clients and families with appropriate services (e.g., HHA, respite care, benefits) and improve continuity of care.
4:30 pm — Program Ends
Accreditation
CASACs
An application has been submitted to the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services for six (6) clock hours.
Clinical Laboratory Practitioners
This continuing medical laboratory education activity is recognized by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) for six (6) CMLE credits. ASCP CMLE credits are acceptable for the ASCP Board of Registry Certification Maintenance Program.
Dietitians/Dietetic Technicians
An application has been submitted to the Commission for Dietetic Registration (CDR) for six (6) continuing education units.
Imaging Technologists
An application has been submitted to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) for Category A continuing education credits. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) accepts ASRT Category A credits.
LPNs/RNs/Nurse Practitioners
This course is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing for six (6) continuing education credits.
Medical Records Coders
An application has been submitted to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) for six (6) continuing education credits.
Occupational Therapists/Occupational Therapy Assistants
An application has been submitted to the New York State Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (NYSOTA) for contact hours (NY licensees only).
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
The New York State Council of Health-system Pharmacists (NYSCHP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
- Module A (AM): This course, 0134-0000-25-XXX-L01-P; 0134-0000-25-XXX-L01-T, is approved for 0.3 CEUs (3 contact hours).
- Module B (PM): This course, 0134-0000-25-XXX-L01-P; 0134-0000-25-XXX-L01-T, is approved for 0.3 CEUs (3 contact hours).
Statements of Continuing Pharmacy Education Credit are available to participants upon the conclusion of the program through survey links. Participants have 45 days from the date of the program to claim credits and must verify attendance at the meeting by entering the program CE code.
Physical Therapists/Physical Therapy Assistants
An application has been submitted to the New York Physical Therapy Association (NYPTA) for contact hours (NY licensees only).
Respiratory Therapists
An application has been submitted to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) for six (6) continuing education credits.
Social Workers
The 1199SEIU League Training and Upgrading Fund SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers under provider #0286. Licensed NYS Social Workers are required to provide their NYS license number to receive certificate of credit. This course is approved for six (6) continuing education hours.
All Other Healthcare Professionals
You will receive a general certificate of attendance. Please check with your accreditation board with respect to receiving credit for this program.
Presenters:
Lawrence Honig, MD, PhD
Professor of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and Director, New York State Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease
Olajide Williams MD, MS
Vice Dean, Community Health, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Yian Gu, MD, MS, PhD
Associate Professor of Neurological Sciences, Neurology and Epidemiology, Taub Institute and Getrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Carmela Avena-Woods, BS, Pharm, PharmD, BCGP, CTTS
Associate Professor, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University
Janet Kolmer Grommet, PhD, RDN
Associate Professor of Nutrition (adjunct), School of Urban Public Health/Nutrition, Hunter College, City University of New York
Dante Tipiani, MSW
Dementia Care Social Worker, CaringKind, The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving
Eligibility for 1199SEIU Members
Training and Employment Fund Members
Members must have been a part-time or full-time employee for at least one year, work at least three-fifths of a regular workweek, and work for an employer who contributes to the 1199SEIU League Training and Upgrading Fund or the 1199SEIU Greater New York Education Fund.
City of New York Education, Child and Eldercare Fund Members
Pharmacists, Dietitians, Clinical Laboratory Practitioners and LPNs must have worked with NYC Health + Hospitals or a mayoral agency for at least one year.
Registered Nurse Training and Job Security Fund members
Members must have been a part-time or full-time employee for at least one year and work for an employer who contributes to the 1199SEIU/Hospital League Health Care Industry Registered Nurse Training and Job Security Fund.
For Further Information
Email: Institute@1199Funds.org
Refund and Cancellation Policy
If you wish to cancel, you must do so at least 48 hours before the program date to avoid a penalty. To cancel, contact the 1199SEIU League Training and Upgrading Fund (TUF) by telephone, (212) 894-4390; fax, (212) 643-8795; or email, Institute@1199Funds.org. TUF reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a program in the event of insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be notified and given the option of receiving a refund or attending the rescheduled program or an alternate program.
