• University of Nottingham

Foundations in Dementia

Discover better ways to support people with dementia. Explore signs and symptoms, interventions, support networks and more.

15,564 enrolled on this course

Illustration showing scrabble letters spelling the word DEMENTIA

Foundations in Dementia

15,564 enrolled on this course

  • 6 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Gain expert knowledge and skills to care for individuals living with dementia

Dementia is becoming more common worldwide. On this course, you will learn to understand people with dementia and to care appropriately as a professional or family supporter. Spanning six topics from prevention and diagnosis to end of life care, the course also offers insights from recent research.

Whatever your role in dementia care, by engaging with the resources and exchanging views with others, you will gain knowledge, skills, and confidence in dealing with people with dementia. Some of the material is specific to England and Wales, such as the legal context and health service provision.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 7 seconds Dementia is a progressive and incurable brain disorder that presents a major challenge for society. As populations age, the number of people affected by dementia increase. People affected include individuals with the condition, but dementia also affects family members who support them and the communities where they live. The good news is that with support, people can live a relatively normal life at home with dementia, often for many years. But in order to enable them to achieve this aim, employers, local government, services, and community groups have to understand the needs of people with dementia. As impairments of dementia become more pronounced, health and social care providers need to offer timely and skilled interventions that can anticipate needs so that crisis can be avoided.

Skip to 0 minutes and 58 seconds So dementia affects many people in the community. This course has been developed to meet the learning requirements for health and social care professionals who work with people with dementia. In addition, it will be useful to family carers, friends, concerned neighbours, and dementia volunteers. In 6 2-hour units, this course will help you to understand dementia from the first signs until the end of life. It shows what makes good care practice from start to finish. Whether you are a paid professional, volunteer, family member, friend, or neighbour, this course will give you the confidence to provide effective support for people with dementia.

Skip to 1 minute and 39 seconds [APPLAUSE]

What topics will you cover?

  • Week 1 - Inside the brain
  • Week 2 - Assessment and treatment
  • Week 3 - Law and ethics
  • Week 4 - Communication skills
  • Week 5 - Family and friends
  • Week 6 - Living well with dementia and end of life care

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify how lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of dementia
  • Assess the signs and symptoms that may indicate dementia and describe the pathway to diagnosis and treatment
  • Identify communication approaches which can support the person with dementia to communicate their needs
  • Debate ethical aspects of decision-making in the light of English laws and guidelines (Mental Capacity Act 2005, Care Act 2014 etc)
  • Describe the impact of caring on family supporters
  • Explore the meaning of person-centred care in view of the diversity of people with dementia and their supporters, while reflecting on the influence of one’s own culture, beliefs and values at all stages of dementia
  • Demonstrate awareness of what it means to live well with dementia and the contribution of assistive technology in everyday care
  • Assess strategies for pain management in palliative care and discuss how Advanced Decisions/Directives may be used in practice
  • Apply evidence from research to support effective care for people with dementia
  • Compare the impact of different interventions including medication and psychosocial approaches

Who is the course for?

This course would suit health and social care professionals (e.g. nurses, doctors, therapists and social workers). It will also interest students, carers of people with dementia, individuals with a recent diagnosis, volunteers, and dementia researchers.

Who will you learn with?

A social researcher in dementia for over 25 years, I also trained and practised as a social worker. I have over 100 peer-reviewed papers based on collaborative research in numerous studies.

A registered nurse and academic in dementia. I collaborate on a number of research studies which aim to improve the health and quality of life of people living with dementia.

I am a Principal Lecturer in Nursing at Nottingham Trent University. As a registered nurse and educator I have worked with many individuals who have dementia.

Who developed the course?

The University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham is committed to providing a truly international education, inspiring students with world-leading research and benefitting communities all around the world.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$134/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 30 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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