Living with Dementia: Impact on Individuals, Caregivers, Communities and Societies (Coursera)

Suggested Readings:

- The 36-Hour Day, fifth edition: The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementias, and Memory Loss

- Practical Dementia Care

- A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia: Using Activities and Other Strategies to Prevent, Reduce and Manage Behavioral Symptoms

Syllabus

WEEK 1

About Dementia

In this module, we introduce learners to dementia. We present a socio-ecological framework for understanding the live experience of dementia and by which this course is organized. We discuss the global impact, pathophysiology, and stages of dementia.

WEEK 2

Impact on the Person

In this module, we focus on the impact of dementia for individuals. You will learn about common unmet needs of persons with dementia as well as the impact of core clinical features such as behavioral and psychological symptoms. Also, you will learn ways to support quality of life of a person with dementia.

WEEK 3

Caregiving and the Home Environment

In this module, we expand our lens to consider family caregivers’ needs. You will learn the psychosocial impact of caring for a person with dementia and the role of stress. We provide examples of how to reduce stress, use the physical environment to support care tasks and well-being, and examine the potential role of technologies to improve dementia care.

WEEK 4

Community Level

ln this module, we examine the community level. We discuss how the interprofessional team plays a key role in providing comprehensive dementia care. Also, we examine the concept of dementia-friendly communities and provide some examples from around the world.

WEEK 5

Society at Large

In this module, we provide an overview of national plans and policies. We identify elements of key plans and review the impact of such plans from a global perspective. You will also have the opportunity to develop an action plan that addresses an unmet need that you identify either in your home, community, or place of work.