• $99

Understanding Dementia

  • 41 Lessons
  • 183-day access

Learn how the brain can be impacted by dementia and how to best support someone living with these brain changes.

A taste of what's included!

Preview a lesson here

Watch the following video for a peek view of what you will learn on this course.  

What people are saying about this course

"I thoroughly enjoyed working through this online course. I found the content and flow of information relevant and easy to follow. Very practical advice with lots of extra resources and information to tap into."        
Alzheimer's Society Northland - Community Advisor

Contents

Please note the module quizzes are not compulsory

Welcome to "Understanding Dementia"!

In this course you will learn about what dementia is, what is the difference between normal and not-normal ageing, and what brain changes can happen in the brain due to dementia, including sensory input and processing systems, and different brain functions.

Having insight into these brain changes will give us powerful tools to respond with compassion and understanding to a person living with dementia. This approach will help us walk in their shoes and meet their needs with dignity and respect.

Before you begin! Course introduction.

MODULE ONE: What is dementia?

This module will give you further understanding of what dementia actually is, explain the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's, and discuss the most common types of dementia.  You will also learn about the risk factors for dementia, and how best to look after your brain health.

Overview of the brain
What is dementia?
Overall impacts dementia can have on the brain
The warning signs of dementia
Dementia is NOT... - Image
Getting a diagnosis
Normal ageing vs not-normal ageing
Preview
Exercise - What are signs of dementia
Risks for developing dementia
Looking after your brain
Module One Quiz

MODULE TWO: Brain changes with dementia - sensory input and processing

Learn about the complexity of the brain and how sensory input and processing can change with dementia, including vision, hearing and touch.

Having insight into these brain changes will give us powerful tools to respond with compassion and understanding to a person living with dementia. This approach will help us walk in their shoes and meet their needs with dignity and respect.

Impacts dementia can have on the sensory system
Brain changes - Vision
Supporting a person living with dementia who has vision changes
Brain changes – Auditory
Supporting a person living with dementia who has auditory changes
Brain changes – Touch
Supporting a person living with dementia who experiences changes with touch
Our approach to someone living with dementia - Common mistakes to avoid
Our approach to someone living with dementia - How to respond
Module Two Quiz

MODULE THREE: Brain changes with dementia - function

The complexity of the brain continues! There are so many brain functions that can be affected by dementia including executive control, memory, our fight and flight, language and movement and mobility.

Having insight into these brain changes will give us powerful tools to respond with compassion and understanding to a person living with dementia. This approach will help us walk in their shoes and meet their needs with dignity and respect.

Brain changes – Executive function
Executive Functioning Skills - Image
Brain changes - Memory
Brain changes – Amygdalae
Brain changes – Language
When a person with dementia may not understand you - Common mistakes to avoid
When a person with dementia may not understand you - How to respond
Brain changes - Mobility and movement
The impact of dementia on daily living activities
Exercise - How brain function relates to eating a meal
Exercise - How brain function relates to having a shower
When a person with dementia doesn't want help - Common mistakes to avoid
When a person with dementia doesn't want help - How to respond
Walking in their shoes
Module Three Quiz

Congratulations!

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have finished Dignified Minds "Understanding Dementia" online course.

Completion certificate

Additional Resources

The following resources further support your learning of dementia - enjoy!

"How I walk alongside someone with dementia"
Additional resources
References