Residents living with dementia increasingly present with co-occurring mental health conditions, yet the resulting changes in behavior, mood, and cognition can stem from very different causes: progressing dementia, an untreated or worsening psychiatric illness, delirium, pain, medication effects, or an unmet need. Because the same observable behavior can have multiple drivers, the appropriate response varies by case. This session equips nurses and care teams to distinguish dementia-related changes from mental health–related changes and delirium using validated assessment and observation tools; to select appropriate non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions for both dementia expressions and mental health symptoms; and to coordinate the interdisciplinary team to support residents with a dual diagnosis. Participants will also examine the evidence linking specific mental health diagnoses to increased dementia risk, consider implications for admission decisions, and learn early-recognition strategies, staffing models, and training approaches that reduce avoidable emergency department transfers and improve resident outcomes. 

Nurse Learner Outcome: 

Learner Objectives: 

1. Differentiate dementia-related changes from mental health–related changes and from delirium using validated assessment and observation tools.
2. Select appropriate non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions for dementia-related expressions and co-occurring mental health symptoms.
3. Apply interdisciplinary team strategies to support residents with a dual diagnosis in assisted living and memory care settings.
4. Describe the relationship between specific mental health diagnoses and dementia risk, and identify factors to evaluate when considering a resident for admission.
5. Implement early-recognition strategies, staffing, and training approaches that reduce avoidable emergency department transfers.