Dementia Course

Lesson 1 • Normal Aging vs. Pathological Decline

Contrasts expected age-related cognitive changes with pathological deterioration patterns. Enables accurate early identification and reduces misattribution of symptoms.

Lesson 2 • Risk Factors and Protective Factors

Identifies modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors alongside evidence-based protective behaviors. Supports prevention-oriented conversations with individuals and families.

Lesson 3 • Defining Dementia as a Syndrome

Dementia is defined as a syndrome of cognitive decline severe enough to impair daily function. This grounds all subsequent clinical and care concepts in accurate terminology.

Lesson 1 • Lewy Body and Frontotemporal Dementias

Distinguishes Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia by pathology, symptom profile, and clinical course. Highlights diagnostic pitfalls unique to each subtype.

Lesson 2 • Alzheimer's Disease Pathology and Features

Covers amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and progressive cortical atrophy in Alzheimer's disease. Connects neuropathology to the characteristic memory-first symptom progression.

Lesson 3 • Rarer Dementias and Mixed Pathology

Surveys Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Huntington's disease dementia, and mixed pathology presentations. Prepares learners to recognize atypical cases and seek specialist input.

Lesson 4 • Vascular Dementia Mechanisms

Explains cerebrovascular disease, infarcts, and white matter changes underlying vascular dementia. Links cardiovascular risk management to slowing vascular cognitive decline.

Lesson 1 • Cognitive Screening Tools

Introduces validated brief cognitive screening instruments and their appropriate clinical applications. Learners understand each tool's sensitivity, specificity, and limitations.

Lesson 2 • Biomarkers and Neuroimaging

Explains the role of brain imaging, cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, and emerging blood-based markers in diagnosis. Prepares learners to interpret imaging reports and biomarker findings in clinical context.

Lesson 3 • Communicating a Dementia Diagnosis

Addresses best practices for delivering a dementia diagnosis with clarity, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. Equips learners to support individuals and families through the disclosure process.

Lesson 4 • Principles of Dementia Diagnosis

Outlines the diagnostic criteria, clinical history-taking, and informant interview techniques central to dementia diagnosis. Establishes the standard of care for a thorough diagnostic workup.

Lesson 1 • Assessing and Documenting Symptoms

Introduces validated behavioral rating scales and structured documentation methods for symptom tracking. Supports consistent communication across care teams and over time.

Lesson 2 • Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms

Covers the full spectrum of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, including agitation, psychosis, and apathy. Links symptom recognition to evidence-based management priorities.

Lesson 3 • Cognitive Symptom Progression

Traces the trajectory of memory, language, attention, and executive function deficits across dementia stages. Provides a framework for anticipating and monitoring cognitive decline.

Lesson 1 • Maintaining Identity and Autonomy

Addresses strategies for preserving the individual's sense of self, preferences, and decision-making capacity. Connects autonomy support to improved wellbeing and reduced behavioral symptoms.

Lesson 2 • Wellbeing Measurement and Observation

Introduces observational tools and frameworks for assessing wellbeing in people with dementia. Enables care teams to evaluate the impact of person-centered interventions systematically.

Lesson 3 • Philosophy of Person-Centered Care

Introduces Kitwood's personhood model and the core values underpinning person-centered dementia care. Frames all subsequent care practice within a rights-based, dignity-focused philosophy.

Lesson 4 • Cultural Competence in Dementia Care

Examines how cultural background shapes dementia experience, help-seeking, and care expectations. Equips learners to adapt care approaches for diverse cultural and linguistic contexts.

Lesson 1 • Adapting Verbal Communication

Covers language simplification, pacing, and questioning techniques effective for people with dementia. Builds foundational verbal skills applicable across all care settings and stages.

Lesson 2 • Nonverbal and Sensory Communication

Examines the role of body language, touch, facial expression, and sensory cues in dementia communication. Highlights how nonverbal channels often remain effective when verbal ability declines.

Lesson 3 • Communication in Advanced Dementia

Addresses communication when verbal ability is severely limited, focusing on comfort, presence, and nonverbal responsiveness. Prepares learners for end-of-life communication needs.

Lesson 1 • Sensory, Creative, and Physical Therapies

Covers music therapy, art therapy, multisensory environments, and exercise programs for people with dementia. Provides practical guidance for implementing and evaluating these approaches.

Lesson 2 • Managing Behavioral Symptoms Pharmacologically

Covers the cautious use of psychotropic medications for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Emphasizes risk-benefit analysis and the primacy of non-pharmacological approaches.

Lesson 3 • Cognitive and Stimulation-Based Therapies

Examines cognitive stimulation therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and reminiscence therapy and their evidence base. Connects structured cognitive activities to maintained function and quality of life.

Lesson 4 • Evaluating and Combining Interventions

Teaches systematic evaluation of intervention effectiveness and principles for combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Supports individualized, evidence-informed care planning.

Lesson 1 • Supporting Families Through End of Life

Addresses family education, emotional support, and bereavement preparation during the dying process. Prepares learners to guide families through anticipatory grief and loss.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Advance Care Planning

Introduces advance care planning as an ongoing process of documenting preferences for future care. Emphasizes early initiation while decision-making capacity is retained.

Lesson 3 • Capacity Assessment and Substitute Decision-Making

Covers functional capacity assessment, supported decision-making, and the role of substitute decision-makers. Equips learners to navigate capacity fluctuations ethically and legally.

Lesson 4 • Ethical Dilemmas in Late-Stage Dementia

Examines common ethical conflicts including artificial nutrition, hospitalization, and resuscitation decisions. Provides frameworks for ethical reasoning and team-based resolution.