The 3Ds in Geriatric Care: Unpacking Depression, Delirium, and Dementia Through the Physical Therapy Lens

Hosted by the Geriatric SIG
Virtual
This interactive session explores the key differences, overlapping features, and clinical significance of depression, delirium, and dementia in older adults. Through the lens of
physical therapy, participants will examine assessment tools, pathophysiology, and evidence-based management strategies. Emphasis is placed on the PT’s role in early
detection, interdisciplinary collaboration, and functional intervention. Session will conclude with a case study to support real-world application in geriatric care. This
course is designed for licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, as well as PT and PTA students.

Presented by:

Mark Apostol, PT,DSc
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults
Certified Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist

Leah Verebes, PT, DPT, EdD (c)
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy

Mark Carl Apostol, PT, DSc, GCS is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Touro University and a board-certified clinical specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy. He holds a Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy and advanced certifications, including Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT) and Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (CEEAA). With over a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Apostol has worked extensively with older adults across a wide range of settings, including acute care, acute and subacute rehabilitation, home health, and outpatient services. His academic and research interests include geriatric rehabilitation, oncology, palliative care, and the integration of social determinants of health into physical therapy education. He is an active presenter at national and international conferences and a member of several professional organizations, including the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the New York Physical Therapy Association (NYPTA).

Leah Verebes, PT, DPT, GCS is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Touro University and a board-certified clinical specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Kent State University with a concentration in curriculum and instruction, with a research focus on student engagement and self-efficacy in DPT education. Dr. Verebes brings over 15 years of clinical experience across diverse settings, including acute care, home health, outpatient rehabilitation, and wound care, where she previously served as Lead Wound Therapist at Northwell Health.
In addition to her academic and clinical work, Dr. Verebes is actively involved in educational research and scholarship, serving as Principal Investigator on several ongoing studies and contributing to peer-reviewed and popular publications on aging, physical therapy, and wellness. Her research interests include geriatric rehabilitation, fall prevention, student development, and visual-motor integration in balance and mobility. She is a frequent presenter at national conferences and currently serves as Chair of Continuing Education and Social Media Engagement for the Touro University DPT Program. Dr. Verebes is a long-standing member of the American Physical Therapy Association and is actively engaged in both the Geriatrics and Education Sections.