Do you want to learn from leaders in the field of dementia research, education and care? Are you interested in engaging with the international community to discuss the major issues surrounding dementia, and ways to improve quality of life?
Then join the Understanding Dementia FREE online course.
Understanding Dementia is designed to be accessible and appealing to people from diverse backgrounds including:Course overview
- Community and residential facility support staff
- People living with dementia, their families and carers
- Health professionals
- Health policy makers
- Individuals with a general interest in dementia
The course draws upon the expertise of neuroscientists, clinicians, carers, people living with dementia and other experts from the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre.
Understanding Dementia addresses the foremost issues surrounding dementia, providing avenues for discussion and to engage with this major international health issue with participants from around the world.
The course provides information to improve quality of life across the trajectory of dementia for people with the condition, their families and carers.
The course is divided into three modules:
- The Brain
- The Diseases
- The Person
Frequently asked questions
1. Are there any prerequisites for the course?
No, you do not need any prior level of knowledge. All you need is an email address and internet access.
2. Who would benefit from doing this course?
Anyone, from people supporting someone living with dementia, to health professionals, and others interested in dementia.
3. How long does the course go for?
The course runs for 7 weeks.
4. How many hours a week will I need to dedicate to the course?
Approximately 3 hours per week.
5. Do I receive a certificate of completion?
Yes, if you complete the entire course (3 modules), you can download a free certificate of completion and/or purchase an enhanced certificate.
6. Are there exams or assignments?
There are no exams or assignments. However, we do have regular quizzes for you to gain insight into your learning and progress through the course.
Understanding Dementia: module guide
Module 1
‘The Brain’ provides a background on basic nervous system anatomy and function, followed by a discussion of the diseases that cause dementia, current dementia research and future directions.
- Nervous system anatomy
- Pathology of dementia
- Future directions of research
Module 2
‘The Diseases’ explores differences between normal ageing and dementia, risk factors, symptoms of dementia, issues surrounding diagnosis, as well as medical management.
- Difference between normal ageing and dementia
- Risk factors for dementia
- Domains of dementia
- Diagnosis of dementia
- Dementia progression and staging
- Younger onset dementia
- Medical management
Module 3
‘The Person’ addresses identifying and responding to symptoms, living with dementia, progression and staging, palliation, behavioural and psychological symptoms, and
non-pharmacological therapies.
- Living with dementia
- Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia
- Pain and dementia
- Advanced dementia symptoms and management
- Dementia palliation
- Non-pharmacological therapies
- Dementia friendly communities
Completion of the Understanding Dementia MOOC can be recognised academically
By successfully completing the Understanding Dementia MOOC, if you are a domestic student (ie Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident), you will be eligible to apply for our Dementia Care Degree Program under a full HECS Scholarship for our Diploma of Dementia Care, and a 50% HECS Scholarship should you wish to continue your studies to an Associate Degree in Dementia Care or Bachelor of Dementia Care. International students who complete Understanding Dementia will be offered significantly discounted tuition fees.
This is a great opportunity to gain a formal university qualification in an award-winning, fully online and flexible course, which will assist you in becoming a specialist in this key public health issue. Our Dementia Care Degree Program offers you the option to increase and formalise your dementia knowledge, and offers graduation points at a Diploma (after 8 units), Associate Degree (after 16 units) and Bachelor of Dementia Care (after 24 units).
Further information is available at utas.edu.au/wicking
Understanding Dementia
For more information, and next course dates please visit: mooc.utas.edu.au/landing/udf
