Understanding Dementia Course
Dementia is an umbrella term for a number of progressive conditions which may affect memory, thinking, problem-solving, language, and possibly mood and behaviour.
Everyone will experience dementia differently, depending on the cause, on which parts of the brain is affected as the condition progresses, and their own personality and circumstances.
Our course will help you to understand and support someone recently diagnosed with dementia.
It has six sections, each covering different topic such as:
- What is Dementia?
- Memory and communication
- Understanding and coping with new behaviour
- Physical aspects
- Legal issues, drive, and benefits
- Ongoing care
The slides are displayed as PowerPoint (.ppt) files.
Family members can also attend the course in person or online through the memory clinic. As well as learning more about dementia, this is an opportunity to meet other carers in a similar situation.
The slides are displayed as PowerPoint (.ppt) files.
There is no time limit with the slides, so you can view each one at your own pace. Simply click to open them, and then read that at your own pace.
Each slide includes a voice recording from one of our specialist. You can pause, skip, or rewind each recording as you like.
There are 4 presentations for week 1.
Part 1 - What is Dementia
What dementia is, the types of dementia including Alzheimer's, and signs and symptoms.
View the part 1 presentation (.ppt)
Part 2 - What is Dementia
Types of dementia, as well as diagnosis.
View the part 2 presentation (.ppt)
Part 3 - What is Dementia
Treatment and support.
View the part 3 presentation (.ppt)
Part 4 - Research
Dementia research, and how you can take part if you're interested.
There are 4 presentations for week 2.
Part 1 - New Behaviours
Understanding and coping with new (changing) behaviours.
View the part 1 presentation (.ppt)
Part 2 - New Behaviours
What it might feel like to have dementia and how to identify triggers to certain behaviours.
View the part 2 presentation (.ppt)
Part 3 - Care Wellbeing
Wellbeing, and how to identify and manage stress if you're a carer.
View the part 3 presentation (.ppt)
Part 4 - Carer Wellbeing
Tips for reducing stress and the importance of prioritising your wellbeing as a carer.
There are 4 presentations for week 3, all covering memory and communication.
Part 1
Memory aids and home surveillance.
View the part 1 presentation (.ppt)
Part 2
Example scenarios, and the SPECAL approach.
View the part 2 presentation (.ppt)
Part 3
What it feels like when your memory lets you down.
View the part 3 presentation (.ppt)
Part 4
Communication tips, repeating the same topics, and how to make a decision.
There are 3 presentations for week 4.
Part 1 - Mobility, Falls, and Visual Visual Perception
Mobility, helping someone up, and making sense of what we see.
View the part 1 presentation (.ppt)
Part 2 - Washing, Dressing, and Eating and Drinking
Personal hygiene, chewing, and swallowing.
View the part 2 presentation (.ppt)
Part 3 - Continence and Night Disturbance
Toilet habits, continence aids, and sleeping patterns.
There are 2 presentations for week 5.
Part 1 - Legal matters
Wills, power of attorney, and deputyship.
View the part 1 presentation (.ppt)
Part 2 - Driving & Firearms
When to stop driving, the DVLA process, and firearms guidance.
Supporting a person with dementia can be positive and rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Looking after yourself is important for both you and the person you are supporting. There are communities you can contact for more information and support.
