DESCRIPTION
To maintain upright, one must take in sensory information, interpret the input and perform a motor action. When a person has impaired balance and an increased risk of falls, we focus on their sensory deficits and motor dysfunction as part of an assessment and management plan. In populations with higher rates of cognitive decline, including older adults, oncology and neurodegenerative conditions, the person's ability to effectively and efficiently interpret inputs and direct action is a critical factor to consider. This webinar will explore the prevalence of cognitive decline in outpatient therapy and how various interdisciplinary rehabilitation clinicians screen, assess and manage cognitive decline, focusing on reducing patients' fall risk. Differential diagnoses and reasons for referrals of cognitive decline and changes, particularly in older adults and oncology will be presented. The webinar will conclude with case-based applications of screening, assessing and treating balance and fall prevention for patients with oncology and neurodegenerative diagnoses. 

INSTRUCTORS (click on the name below to read faculty bio)
Brittany Cochario, PT, DPT
Erica Guardascione, MS, CCC-SLP
Deanna Meehan, PT, DPT
Alaina Newell PT, DPT

LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:  

1. Define the role of cognitive processes in balance control and fall risk for specialized populations.
2. List screening and assessment tools to identify cognitive impairments that may contribute to fall risk in outpatient rehabilitation settings.
3. Describe interdisciplinary approaches for the management of cognitive decline to develop functional patient-centered fall prevention and balance interventions.

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will watch the on-demand recording in its entirety and complete an assessment and feedback module in the Academy Learning Portal. You will have three months from the date of purchase to complete and review the course material. You will receive a reminder email two weeks before the expiration date.  

AUDIENCE
Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Social Work and Speech-Language Pathologists

CONTINUING EDUCATION
Occupational Therapists:

Physical Therapists: This online course has been approved by the Illinois Physical Therapy Board for 1.5 Contact Hours. Approval #216-000069

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 1.5 Contact Hours on 8/4/2026.

Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.

Speech-Language Pathologists:

DISCLOSURES
Course Directors and Planning Committee Members:
Julie Lenkiewicz, MS, CCC-SLP Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Kolski, PT, OCS, Dip MDT Has nothing to disclose.
Leslie Marriott, OTR/L Has nothing to disclose.
Selah Bustamante, MSN, RN, CRRN Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Legreid, MSN, RN, CRRN, NPD-BC Has nothing to disclose.
Speakers, Moderators and Panelists:
Brittany Cochario, PT, DPT Has nothing to disclose.
Erica Guardascione, MS, CCC-SLP Has nothing to disclose.
Deanna Meehan, PT, DPT Has nothing to disclose.
Alaina Newell PT, DPT Has nothing to disclose.

ACADEMY POLICIES
For a complete list of Academy policies and technology requirements, click here.