[EN] Dementia for Health care professionals and University students
DEDUCThis course provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary introduction to dementia, combining biomedical knowledge with person-centred approaches to care, communication, ethics, and professional practice. It is designed for healthcare professionals, university students, caregivers, and individuals interested in improving their understanding of dementia and the support of people living with neurocognitive disorders.
Throughout the course, participants will explore the biological foundations of dementia, risk factors and prevention strategies, genetics and genetic counselling, caregiver support, communication techniques, dementia day care services, palliative and end-of-life care, and ethical decision-making in complex clinical situations.
The course emphasizes compassionate, evidence-based, and humanized dementia care. Special attention is given to person-centred approaches, relational autonomy, caregiver well-being, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the preservation of dignity and identity throughout the dementia journey.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Understand the main biological, psychological, and social aspects of dementia.
- Identify modifiable and non-modifiable dementia risk factors.
- Apply principles of communication and person-centred dementia care.
- Recognize caregiver needs, burden, and support strategies.
- Understand ethical and legal aspects of dementia care and decision-making.
- Describe the role of Adult Day Centers and community-based dementia services.
- Apply principles of palliative and end-of-life care in advanced dementia.
- Integrate ethical reasoning into complex clinical and caregiving situations.
- Promote compassionate, safe, and sustainable dementia care practices.
Course Structure
The course is organized into thematic modules covering:
- Dementia foundations and pathogenesis
- Prevention and risk communication
- Genetics and ethical issues
- Care systems and caregiver support
- Communication and humanization of care
- Dementia day care centers
- Palliative and end-of-life care
- Professional resilience and sustainable care
- Ethical dilemmas and clinical decision-making
Each module includes theoretical content, practical examples, clinical cases, reflection activities, and self-assessment questions.
Target Audience
This course is intended for:
- Healthcare professionals
- Nursing and medical students
- Psychologists and therapists
- Social care professionals
- Informal caregivers and family members
- Researchers and students in health sciences
Course Requirements
No previous specialized training in dementia care is required. Basic knowledge of health sciences or caregiving may be helpful but is not mandatory.
Certification
Participants who successfully complete all required modules, assessments, and course activities will receive a certificate of completion.
Course Approach
The course promotes an evidence-based, interdisciplinary, and ethically grounded perspective on dementia care, emphasizing dignity, empathy, inclusion, and quality of life for both people living with dementia and their caregivers.