Understanding Dementia

The Understanding Dementia MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) was developed by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre based in the College of Health and Medicine at the University of Tasmania. This world-leading online course is free, easily accessible and available to everyone with an interest in dementia.You'll learn from the global leaders in the field of dementia research and education, and gain knowledge to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia. Understanding Dementia is designed to be accessible and appealing to people from diverse backgrounds including:

•        People living with dementia, their families, friends and caregivers
•        Community and residential facility support staff
•        Health professionals
•        Health policy makers
•        Individuals with a general interest in dementia

Anyone can develop dementia, everyone can help.Dementia has a profound impact on individuals, families and communities, and the number of people with dementia across the world increases every year as our global population ages.Dementia is now one of the most significant health, social and economic issues of the 21st Century.Understanding Dementia examines the diseases that cause dementia, how they impact the person with dementia and the treatments and care practices that enhance quality of life across the trajectory of dementia for people with the condition, their families and caregivers. It provides avenues for engaging with participants from around the world about this major international health issue.You should expect to spend approximately 3 hours per week engaging with the content and completing the course activities. You can work through the content at any time of day and at your own pace up until the course closes.Once you have completed the course, you will be eligible to download a free, personalised certificate of completion. We also offer paid enhanced certificate options in addition to the free certificate.

Course Outline

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.

1.  The Diseases

Explores differences between normal ageing and dementia, risk factors, symptoms of dementia, issues surrounding diagnosis, as well as medical management.

1.  The Person

Addresses identifying and responding to symptoms, living with dementia, progression and staging, palliation, behavioural and psychological symptoms, and nonpharmacological therapies.