We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Nancy Hodgson, PhD, RN, FAAN
and
Laura N. Gitlin, PhD
Health professionals and students, family caregivers, friends of and affected individuals, and others interested in learning about dementia and quality care will benefit from completing the course. Led by Drs. Nancy Hodgson and Laura Gitlin, participants will acquire foundational knowledge in the care of persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurocognitive disorders.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ri4l2q/living
Two deals to help you save
Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until July 14
Coursera Plus Annual
Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.
Up to
40%
off
Get offer
Valid until August 30
Google AI App Builder
Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind
Take
100%
off
Get offer
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Understanding dementia: impact on individuals, caregivers, and society
According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and deeply insightful overview of living with dementia, covering its impact on individuals, caregivers, communities, and society. Students highlight the expert instruction from Johns Hopkins faculty, praising their knowledge, clarity, and sensitive delivery of often difficult material. Many caregivers and professionals found the content highly relevant and practical, offering valuable strategies and a strong foundation of knowledge. Reviewers describe the course as well-structured and the modules as engaging, making the complex subject matter accessible. Overall, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it for anyone affected by or working with dementia.
Explores an emotionally challenging subject.
"This course deals with a very difficult and emotional subject, but it does so with necessary depth and compassion."
"Be prepared, the content can be emotionally impactful, especially if you have personal experience with dementia."
"While challenging at times due to the nature of the topic, the course provides essential understanding."
"It was hard to hear some of the realities, but vital information for providing better care."
Logical flow and clear progression.
"The course modules were logically organized, building from the individual impact outwards to society."
"Each module was manageable and focused, making it easy to digest the information presented."
"I appreciated the clear structure and progression throughout the weeks; it helped reinforce the concepts."
"The way the course was structured helped me connect the different levels of impact together."
Knowledgeable and compassionate teaching.
"The instructors were simply outstanding. Their knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach to this sensitive topic were evident throughout."
"Drs. Hodgson and Gitlin are clearly experts in the field. They presented the information in a clear, concise, and engaging manner."
"I felt the professors handled the emotionally challenging material with great sensitivity and respect, which was very important."
"The lectures were well-delivered and easy to follow, thanks to the instructors' excellent teaching style."
Valuable for caregivers and professionals.
"As a caregiver, I found this course incredibly helpful. It provided practical insights and strategies that I could immediately apply."
"The course gave me a strong foundation for understanding dementia in my professional role and improved my approach to care."
"Many of the examples and discussions were directly relevant to real-life situations, making the learning very effective."
"This is a must-take course for anyone working with or caring for individuals with dementia."
Covers dementia impact broadly.
"This course provided a comprehensive overview of dementia and its impact on individuals, caregivers, and society. It covered all the key aspects I was hoping to learn."
"Excellent course covering multiple aspects, from the biological basis to societal impact and policy. Truly holistic approach."
"I really appreciated how the course was structured using the socio-ecological framework, showing the impact at different levels."
"It gave me a much broader perspective on dementia than I had before, looking beyond just the individual."
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Accessing online tutorials will supplement the course materials and provide you with additional guidance on specific dementia care techniques.
Show steps
-
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Join a study group or discussion forum
Show steps
Engaging in peer discussions will help you clarify concepts, improve your understanding, and learn from others' perspectives.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Attending conferences will expose you to cutting-edge research, best practices, and networking opportunities in the field of dementia care.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Volunteering will provide you with practical experience, enhance your empathy, and deepen your understanding of dementia care.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Developing a care plan will help you apply the principles and strategies you learn in the course to a real-world scenario.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Creating a presentation will help you synthesize your knowledge, improve your communication skills, and provide valuable information to others.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Contributing to open-source projects will allow you to apply your skills, collaborate with others, and advance the field of dementia care.
Show steps
-
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
Review foundational concepts of dementia
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Accessing online tutorials will supplement the course materials and provide you with additional guidance on specific dementia care techniques.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Join a study group or discussion forum
Show steps
Engaging in peer discussions will help you clarify concepts, improve your understanding, and learn from others' perspectives.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Attending conferences will expose you to cutting-edge research, best practices, and networking opportunities in the field of dementia care.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Volunteering will provide you with practical experience, enhance your empathy, and deepen your understanding of dementia care.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Developing a care plan will help you apply the principles and strategies you learn in the course to a real-world scenario.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Creating a presentation will help you synthesize your knowledge, improve your communication skills, and provide valuable information to others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Contributing to open-source projects will allow you to apply your skills, collaborate with others, and advance the field of dementia care.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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 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.
Neuropsychologist
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.
Dementia Care Manager
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.
Geriatric Psychiatrist
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.
Research Scientist
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.
Social Worker
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.
Geriatric Nurse
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.
Speech-Language Pathologist
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.
Healthcare Administrator
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.
Policy Analyst
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.
Nonprofit Manager
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.
Occupational Therapist
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.
Health Educator
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.
Fundraising Professional
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.
Educator
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ri4l2q/living
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Living with Dementia: Impact on Individuals, Caregivers, Communities and Societies.
Save
Classic guide to caring for someone with dementia, providing practical advice and support for families.
Provides a comprehensive overview of dementia, including its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Provides practical advice and support for families and caregivers of people with dementia.
Provides a comprehensive program to prevent and reverse cognitive decline, including lifestyle changes, diet, and supplements.
Save
Provides an overview of the science of exercise and its benefits for the brain, including its role in preventing and treating dementia.
Provides an overview of the neuroplasticity of the brain and its ability to change and adapt, even in the face of dementia.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ri4l2q/living
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructors
Nancy Hodgson, PhD, RN, FAAN
Laura N. Gitlin, PhD
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser