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

What's inside

Syllabus

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.

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.

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.

Module 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.

Module 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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Classifies signs and symptoms of dementia patients in clinical settings, which is standard in health professions

Broadly examines dementia and its impact on affected individuals and their family caregivers, which is useful for family caregivers and friends of people with dementia

Explores unmet needs of people with dementia, which is highly relevant to family caregivers and healthcare providers

Investigates community efforts to address dementia, which is critical for public health professionals and policymakers

Provides examples of national dementia plans from around the globe, which is highly relevant to public health professionals and policymakers

Taught by well-established researchers in the field of dementia care, who are recognized for their contributions to the field

Reviews summary

Comprehensive dementia care

Learners say this course is widely regarded as informative and filled with practical insights on caring for individuals with dementia. It features engaging assignments and covers essential topics such as understanding the disease, communication strategies, and caregiver well-being. The course's expert instructors provide valuable information on the latest research and cutting-edge approaches to dementia care. Students appreciate the abundance of resources, like readings and videos, which enhance their learning experience. Overall, those who have taken this course highly recommend it to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of dementia and its impact on individuals, caregivers, and communities.

Appropriate duration for the subject matter.

"I was struggling as a caregiver but now, thanks to this course, have so much information and clarity about this perplexing illness!"

"The course has truly helped me gain insights on how to manage patients with dementia."

"Thank you for the opportunity to learn many things about dementia, it is a whole new experience for me, although only by the internet."

Course helps learners make a positive difference.

"I was struggling as a caregiver but now, thanks to this course, have so much information and clarity about this perplexing illness!"

"The course has truly helped me gain insights on how to manage patients with dementia."

"Thank you for the opportunity to learn many things about dementia, it is a whole new experience for me, although only by the internet."

Access to a wealth of supportive materials.

"The course provided a comprehensive overview of dementia. I especially the list of readings and resources provided by the presenters."

"The instructors were awesome, able to cram so much useful information in such a short time span."

"Learned valuable information about Dementia care."

Knowledgeable instructors share their expertise.

"The instructors were awesome, able to cram so much useful information in such a short time span."

"The course has truly helped me gain insights on how to manage patients with dementia."

"Learned valuable information about Dementia care."

Links to some articles only provide abstracts.

"The course doesn't seem up-to-date."

Some materials may not be up-to-date.

"The course doesn't seem up-to-date."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Living with Dementia: Impact on Individuals, Caregivers, Communities and Societies with these activities:

Review foundational concepts of dementia

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Activating your prior knowledge and refreshing foundational concepts of dementia will help you better understand the course materials and participate in discussions.

Browse courses on Dementia

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Review your previous coursework or materials on dementia
Read introductory articles or textbooks on the topic
Attend a public lecture or webinar on dementia

Read 'The 36-Hour Day' by Nancy Mace and Peter Rabins

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Reading this book will provide you with a comprehensive overview of dementia care, including practical tips and strategies for supporting individuals and their families.

View The 36-Hour Day on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of the book
Read the book in its entirety
Take notes and highlight important passages
Discuss the book with your classmates or colleagues

Follow online tutorials on dementia care techniques

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Accessing online tutorials will supplement the course materials and provide you with additional guidance on specific dementia care techniques.

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Search for online tutorials on dementia care
Select tutorials that cover topics relevant to the course
Watch the tutorials and take notes
Practice the techniques demonstrated in the tutorials

Six other activities

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Join a study group or discussion forum

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Engaging in peer discussions will help you clarify concepts, improve your understanding, and learn from others' perspectives.

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Find or create a study group with classmates or colleagues
Participate in online discussion forums related to dementia
Attend local support groups or community meetings on dementia

Attend a conference or symposium on dementia

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Attending conferences will expose you to cutting-edge research, best practices, and networking opportunities in the field of dementia care.

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Research upcoming conferences or symposia on dementia
Register for the event and make travel arrangements
Attend the conference and actively participate in sessions
Network with other professionals and experts in the field

Volunteer at a dementia care facility or organization

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Volunteering will provide you with practical experience, enhance your empathy, and deepen your understanding of dementia care.

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Contact local dementia care facilities or organizations
Inquire about volunteer opportunities and requirements
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule
Engage with people with dementia and provide support

Create a care plan for a person with dementia

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Developing a care plan will help you apply the principles and strategies you learn in the course to a real-world scenario.

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Interview a person with dementia and their caregiver
Research and gather information on different types of dementia care
Create a comprehensive care plan that addresses the individual's needs
Present your care plan to your instructor or a peer for feedback

Develop a presentation on a specific aspect of dementia care

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Creating a presentation will help you synthesize your knowledge, improve your communication skills, and provide valuable information to others.

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Choose a specific aspect of dementia care to focus on
Research and gather information on the topic
Create a PowerPoint or other presentation format
Practice your presentation and get feedback from others
Deliver your presentation to your class or a wider audience

Contribute to open-source projects related to dementia care

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Contributing to open-source projects will allow you to apply your skills, collaborate with others, and advance the field of dementia care.

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Identify open-source projects related to dementia care
Join the project community and learn about their goals
Identify areas where you can contribute your skills
Make code contributions, write documentation, or provide support

Career center

Learners who complete Living with Dementia: Impact on Individuals, Caregivers, Communities and Societies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Dementia Caregiver

Dementia Caregivers provide care and support to individuals with dementia. By taking this course, Dementia Caregivers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the physical, cognitive, and emotional changes associated with dementia. They can learn about best practices in dementia care and develop the skills to provide compassionate and effective care to individuals with dementia. This course can help Dementia Caregivers improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia and their families.

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Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists assess and treat cognitive and behavioral impairments caused by neurological disorders, including dementia. By taking this course, Neuropsychologists can enhance their knowledge of the neuropsychological manifestations of dementia, as well as the role of neuropsychological assessment in diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring. They can learn about the latest advances in neuropsychological research and apply this knowledge to provide comprehensive neuropsychological services to individuals with dementia.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct scientific investigations to advance knowledge in a particular field. By taking this course, Research Scientists can gain an overview of the current state of dementia research and identify areas where further investigation is needed. They can learn about the different research methods used in dementia research and develop the skills to design and conduct their own studies. This knowledge can help Research Scientists contribute to the development of new treatments and interventions for dementia.

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Geriatric Psychiatrist

Geriatric Psychiatrists specialize in the mental health of older adults, including the assessment and treatment of dementia. By taking this course, Geriatric Psychiatrists can strengthen their understanding of the neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia, as well as the psychological impact on individuals and their families. They can learn about evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to manage these symptoms and improve the overall well-being of persons with dementia.

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Dementia Care Manager

Dementia Care Managers are healthcare professionals who specialize in providing comprehensive care and support to individuals with dementia and their families. By taking this course, Dementia Care Managers can build a strong foundation in the assessment, planning, and implementation of dementia care. They can learn about the unique needs of individuals with dementia and develop strategies to support their well-being and independence. Furthermore, the course provides practical guidance on navigating the healthcare system and accessing resources for those affected by dementia.

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Geriatric Nurse

Geriatric Nurses provide specialized care to older adults, including those with dementia. By taking this course, Geriatric Nurses can gain a comprehensive understanding of the physical, cognitive, and emotional changes associated with dementia. They can learn about best practices for assessing, planning, and implementing nursing interventions to promote the comfort, safety, and well-being of individuals with dementia.

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Social Worker

Social Workers support individuals and families facing social and emotional challenges, including those related to aging and dementia. By taking this course, Social Workers can gain a deeper understanding of the biopsychosocial impact of dementia on individuals and caregivers. They can use this knowledge to conduct assessments, provide counseling, connect clients to resources, and advocate for policies that support persons with dementia.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists specialize in the assessment and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. By taking this course, Speech-Language Pathologists can gain a deeper understanding of the communication challenges faced by individuals with dementia. They can learn about the various types of dementia, their impact on language and communication, and effective strategies for assessment and intervention. This knowledge can help Speech-Language Pathologists provide tailored therapy to improve communication, maintain cognitive function, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia.

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Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help individuals recover or improve their ability to perform daily activities. By understanding the cognitive and functional challenges faced by individuals with dementia, Occupational Therapists can develop individualized treatment plans to promote engagement in meaningful activities, improve cognitive function, and maximize independence. This course can provide a solid foundation in the assessment and treatment of individuals with dementia, enabling Occupational Therapists to effectively address their unique needs.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and evaluate public policies. By taking this course, Policy Analysts can gain an understanding of the social, economic, and healthcare policies that affect individuals with dementia and their families. They can learn how to conduct policy analysis, develop policy recommendations, and advocate for policies that improve the lives of those affected by dementia. This course can also help Policy Analysts understand the role of research in informing policy decisions.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers lead and manage nonprofit organizations, including those that provide services to individuals with dementia. By taking this course, Nonprofit Managers can gain an understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with dementia and their families. They can learn about best practices in nonprofit management and develop strategies to effectively lead organizations that provide dementia care and support services.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators manage the operations of healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. By taking this course, Healthcare Administrators can gain an understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with dementia in healthcare settings. They can learn about the latest trends in dementia care and develop strategies to improve the quality of care for persons with dementia. This course can help Healthcare Administrators create dementia-friendly environments and ensure that individuals with dementia receive the care and support they need.

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Fundraising Professional

Fundraising Professionals raise funds to support nonprofit organizations, including those that provide services to individuals with dementia. By taking this course, Fundraising Professionals can gain an understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with dementia and their families. They can learn how to develop targeted fundraising campaigns that resonate with potential donors and raise funds to support dementia research, care, and support services.

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Health Educator

Health Educators specialize in educating individuals and communities about health topics. By using the knowledge gained in this course, a Health Educator can better understand the impact of dementia on individuals, families, and communities. This can aid them in designing and delivering educational programs that address the unique challenges faced by those affected by dementia. Additionally, the course provides insights into strategies for improving the quality of life of individuals with dementia.

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Educator

Educators teach and train students in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, and universities. By taking this course, Educators can gain an understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with dementia and their families. They can learn about effective teaching strategies and develop lesson plans that are accessible to individuals with dementia. This knowledge can help Educators create inclusive learning environments and support students with dementia in reaching their full potential.

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