Continuing Education

Aging and Neurocognitive Diseases

Social Work Education

About The Course

Course Title: Aging and Neurocognitive Diseases

Learning Method: Record asynchronous distance (non-interactive). This course includes a recorded video and access to the presented resources.

Amount of CE Credit Offered: 1 credit (general)

Fees: This course can be purchased individually for $25 or as part of an annual unlimited continuing education subscription available for $99/year.

Posttest: Following the course, the participant will take a 10 question posttest. A score of 70% correct is required to pass and obtain a certificate. If you do not pass the posttest, it can be re-taken after fully reviewing the materials again. 

Certificate of CompletionIn order to receive a certificate of completion, you must indicate that you’ve watched the entire video portion of the course, earn a passing grade on the test, and complete the requested course evaluation.

Description of the Course:

In the realm of social work, understanding the intricacies of aging and the associated neurocognitive diseases is paramount. This continuing education course, expertly curated by Crystal Weiss, LCSW CCTP, offers professionals a comprehensive exploration into the biological, psychological, and social facets of the aging process. Participants will be equipped with the knowledge to differentiate between various neurocognitive diseases, recognize their symptoms, and understand their profound impact on the elderly population.

Debunking myths and misconceptions is a core component of this course, ensuring that social workers approach their elderly clients with an accurate and empathetic perspective. The course delves into the statistical significance of the aging population, shedding light on its broader societal implications. This data-driven approach ensures that professionals are well-prepared to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by an aging demographic.

Aligned with the NASW Code of Ethics, this course emphasizes the core values of service, social justice, dignity, and the worth of every individual. Social workers will be encouraged to continuously learn, grow, and recognize the potential inherent in every individual, regardless of age. By the end of this course, participants will be better equipped to advocate for the unmet needs of the elderly and navigate the complexities of a culturally diverse adult population.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Explain the basics of the aging process and the associated neurocognitive diseases.

  2. Describe the statistical significance and projections related to the aging population and its implications.

  3. Identify the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging.

  4. Explain various neurocognitive diseases, their symptoms, and their impact on the elderly population.

Target Audience: 

Masters and Clinical level licensees pursuing continuing education.

Content Level:

Both beginning and intermediate-level content are included in this course.

Instructor Bio(s):

Crystal Weiss LCSW, CCTP is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Memory and Cognition Clinic.

She has experience working with individuals across all settings and age groups. Her focus is in CBT, mindfulness, and reality therapies to help anyone manage their day to day difficulties.

She has a lifelong passion for working with older adults that began as an undergraduate intern at a local Aging Office in 2011. Since graduation, she has taken various roles in community mental health and outreach working with varied populations to most recently working in hospital systems. Stepping out of her comfort zone, she pursued her clinical licensure during COVID and have used resources through Agents of Change to assist with passing this year.

With a positive outlook and determination, she returned to working with her niche with hopes of encouraging other inspiring social workers to learn more about this field.

She is a current member of NASW and recently obtained additional certification of Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She is looking forward to continuing personal and professional growth with additional trainings and certifications, including creating content for future social workers.

She has been a social worker for over 10 years, bringing experience from the field of addictions, mental health, inpatient psychiatric settings, to community and school-based services. She has a wealth of knowledge regarding community services and advocating for my respective patient population while using positive behavioral and reality therapies to practice.

When she is not working, she is spending time with her family including my husband and 8-year-old daughter, Sara, and our fur kids Max (11 year old orange tabby) and Jax (almost 3 year old Husky).

Course Outline:

1. Introduction

  • Overview of the course objectives and structure
  • Importance of understanding aging and neurocognitive diseases in social work

2. By the Numbers

  • Statistical overview of the aging population
  • Projections and implications for the future of social work

3. Myths and Misconceptions

  • Common myths about aging and their origins
  • Debunking misconceptions and promoting a factual understanding

4. The Aging Process

  • Biological aspects of aging
  • Psychological changes and challenges
  • Social implications and the role of community

5. Neurocognitive Diseases

  • Introduction to various neurocognitive diseases
  • Symptoms, diagnosis, and management
  • Impact on the elderly and their families

6. Help and Resources

  • Tools and strategies for assisting the elderly
  • Navigating healthcare and support systems
  • Resources for continuous learning and professional development

7. SW Approaches and Considerations

  • Core values of social work in the context of aging
  • Ethical considerations and best practices
  • Culturally diverse populations and inclusivity

8. Conclusion and Q&A

  • Recap of key takeaways
  • Open forum for questions and discussions
  • Feedback and course evaluation

Course Creation Date: 9/12/23 

Requesting Accessibility Accommodations:

Please email [email protected] to request accessibility accommodations.

ACE Approval Statement: 

Agents of Change, #1919, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 7/26/2023 – 7/26/2024. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

System Requirements:

  • The most recent version of Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge browser
  • Javascript enabled
  • PDF plugin
  • Graphic and audio output capability
  • Broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbps (recommended)
  • TLS 1.2 supported by your web browser

Refund PolicyIn general, refunds will not be provided. However, if you do have any concerns or grievances, please contact us at the email address below. Registrants who do not complete their course(s) will not receive a refund. Registrants who purchased the course but did not achieve a passing grade will not receive a refund. The Agents of Change Grievance Policy can be viewed here.

Cancellation Policy: If an Agents of Change Continuing Education course is canceled, a full refund will be provided to all participants.

Please email [email protected] with any questions about the course.

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