Identifying and Managing Depression in Older Adults with Dementia
Thursday, December 03, 2026 | 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Livestream Webinar
Target Audience
Nurses, advanced practitioners and anyone in healthcare interested in management of depression and dementia in older adults.
Program Description
Depression is one of the most common yet underrecognized comorbidities among older adults living with dementia. Because symptoms of depression and dementia often overlap, timely recognition and appropriate intervention can be challenging, leading to delayed treatment, increased caregiver burden, functional decline, and poorer quality of life. This session will provide healthcare professionals with evidence-based strategies to differentiate depression from dementia-related symptoms, utilize appropriate screening and assessment tools, and implement person-centered interventions that improve outcomes. Participants will also explore nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic management strategies, caregiver support, and interdisciplinary approaches to promoting the emotional and cognitive well-being of older adults.
Registration Fee
$20.00
Agenda
11:45 a.m. Open Zoom
12 p.m. Identifying and Managing Depression in Older Adults with Dementia
1 p.m. Adjourn
Speakers
Kimberly Smashe, DNP,MBA, RN, ACM-RN, NE-BC, GERO-BC, CPAFH is the Geriatrics & Care Transitions Manager for Duke University Health System within the Population Health Management Office. She leads the health system's Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, partnering with clinical and operational teams to integrate the 4Ms framework into care across the organization.
Kimberly is passionate about improving the care of older adults across the care continuum, especially during the vulnerable transitions between care settings. Her work focuses on creating person-centered, Age-Friendly care that aligns with what matters most to patients while improving outcomes and the care experience. She also serves as Contract Faculty with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), helping educate healthcare professionals in Age-Friendly Health Care.
Objectives
- Differentiate symptoms of depression from behavioral and cognitive symptoms associated with dementia using evidence-based assessment strategies.
- Apply person-centered, evidence-based interventions to manage depression in older adults living with dementia.
- Integrate interdisciplinary collaboration and caregiver support strategies to improve quality of life and clinical outcomes for older adults with dementia and depression.
Credit
Contact Hours: 1.0
Nursing Contact Hours: 1.0 Nursing Contact Hours will be awarded to participants who attend 90% of this educational activity.
Southern Regional Area Health Education Center is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Substitutes/Refunds/Transfers
• Cancellations must be in writing (email or mail).
• Registrants cancelling between two weeks and five full business days prior to the first day of the event are refunded at 70% of the registration fee subject to a minimum $25 cancellation fee.
• No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations received less than five full business days prior to the event.
• No refunds or credit will be given for no-shows.
• No vouchers will be issued in lieu of a refund.
• Transfers/substitute(s) welcome (notify in advance of the program).
Attendance at this activity grants permission for Southern Regional AHEC to use any photographs, audio, video, or other images from this activity for promotional or educational purposes. Please notify an AHEC staff member if you have concerns.
ADA Services
Americans with Disabilities Act Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the ADA coordinator at least five days prior to the event at (910) 678-7240 or christi.boahn@sr-ahec.org.
Contact Us
Lisa S. Johnson, DNP, RN, Administrator, Continuing Professional Development/ (910) 678-7249 / lisa.johnson@sr-ahec.org