Neurocognitive Disorders

This week we will learn about Neurocognitive Disorders so that we have some familiarity with them and can recognize them when we conduct intakes or assessments.  This is Chapter 17 of our CAW book.

We will also become familiar with the ASAM “Treatment Levels and Comparison of Withdrawal Management Services” on pages 131-143 in our ASAM book.  The purpose of becoming familiar with these Withdrawal Management (designated as WM) levels of care is so that we know how to match the severity/risk rating for Dimension 1 with an appropriate level of care of withdrawal management services.  There are 5 levels of care of withdrawal management, designated by Level 1-WM, Level 2-WM, Level 3.2WM, Level 3.7,  and finally, Level 4-WM.   ***Important to remember-not every client will have a significant risk rating in Dimension 1 AND not every client who is misusing or dependent on a substance-depending on the substance-will need WM (withdrawal management services.)  You have already read the section of your ASAM book that describes Withdrawal Risk by substance.  This begins on page 145 and goes through 173.  What is key to remember here is that as helping professionals we need to be familiar with substances of misuse AND if they post withdrawal risk–and to what severity.  We are in a field that for a long time sent most clients who had substance misuse/dependence disorder to “detox” (withdrawal management) and we need to be more science/medically based in our thinking now.

Assignments:

Read Chapter 17- Neurocognitive Disorders in CAW.

Read ASAM pages 131-143.    (You have already read related pages 145-173 but you may certainly refresh your memory or use them for reference.)

Answer the questions related to NCD’s in the NCD assignment Icon.  Upload to Moodle in a Word Document.

Answer the questions related to WM Levels of Care in the ASAM WM Levels of Care Icon.  Upload to Moodle in a Word Document

NCD Assignment

Answer the following questions in a Word Document, based on your Chapter 17 reading.  List each question, and then please put your answer under it.

1. Within the neurocognitive disorders, are there some specific diagnoses that are related to the use of one or more substances or exposure to a toxic agent?
2. Alzheimer’s Disease is more prevalent among adults over what age?
3. What is the “hallmark” symptom of Delirium?
4. Can NCD’s be diagnosed in younger adults as well as older people?
5. Please name two of the most common risk factors for Delirium.
6. What is the primary distinction between Mild and Major NCD that is both observed AND assessed by objective testing?
7. Please name the most commonly used rating scale for Delirium.
8. Please name two of the most common medical conditions related to NCD’s.
9. What kind of support does the research suggest can benefit caregivers of those with NCD’s from multi-ethnic backgrounds?
10. Clients with these disorders require assistance to maintain functioning. T or F
11. This dependency may become so pronounced that it is very important for them to remain at home, cared for by loved ones. T or F

SAM Withdrawal Management Levels of Care Assignment

Begin this assignment by reading pages 131 and 132 in your ASAM Book.  The descriptions of each Level of Care begin on page 132.  You will then read from 132-through the top of 143.

Please answer the following questions related to each ASAM Withdrawal Management Level of Care.  There are 5 Levels of Care for WM.  Start with noting which Level of WM you are answering the questions for and then put the questions under the heading and answer them.  You will do this for each Level of Care.  Upload them in a Word Document to Moodle.

1. What page in the ASAM book begins the description of this level of care?
2. What is the full name of this level of care?
3. Where might this LOC be delivered?
4. Is this Level of Care outpatient or is it an overnight/inpatient setting?
5. Does a person have to have SOME AMOUNT of WM needs/risk as identified on Dimension 1 to be admitted to this level of care?