Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course focuses on issues related to the care of older persons presenting behavioral and cognitive challenges, using a person-centered approach. Introduces students to assessment, treatment and care of persons experiencing dementia, problematic mental health conditions, and the dying process. Includes assessing appropriate long term care options for memory care, problem solving, functional levels and other challenges, managing surveys, responding to deficiencies, problem solving repetitive incident reports, implementing fall prevention programs, and developing family education and support programs.

• Harris, P.B. (2002). The person with Alzheimer's disease: Pathways to understanding the experience. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Snyder, L. (2009). Speaking Our minds: What it's like to have Alzheimer's. (Revised Edition). Baltimore, MD: Health Professions Press. Note: this book is now out of print, but you have access to a free digital copy of this book through the PCC LIbrary at:  

  PCC library website

• Verity, J. & Kuhn, D. (2008). The Art of Dementia Care. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning.
• Bastings, Anne. (2020). Creative Care: A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care. Harper One. 
• Ghent-Fuller, Jennifer (2012). Thoughtful Dementia Care: Understanding The Dementia Experience. 
• Camp, Cameron J. (2012). Hiding the Stranger In the Mirror; A Detective's Manual for Solving Problems Associated with Alzheimer's Disease & Related Disorders
• Optional Texts
•  Zgola, Jitka. (1999). Care that works: A relationship approach to persons with dementia. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press. Note: A digital copy of this book is available for free through the PCC Library at PCC Library link for optional book 
• Gibbs, Daniel & Barker, Teresa (2023). A Tattoo on my Brain: A Neurologist's Personal Battle against Alzheimer's Disease. Cambridge University Press. 
• Thomas, W.H. (1996). Life Worth Living. Acton, MA: VanderWyk & Burnham.
• Gibbs, Daniel. (2024). Dispatches from the Land of Alzheimer's. Cambridge University Press. 

You will also choose one book from the optional text list to read and write a book review on. If you have another book in mind, it must be approved first