Understanding Dementia

Course Outline

1. The Brain

Provides a background on basic nervous system anatomy and function, followed by a discussion of the diseases that cause dementia, current dementia research and future directions.

2. The Diseases

Explores differences between normal ageing and dementia, risk factors, symptoms of dementia, issues surrounding diagnosis, as well as medical management.

3. The Person

Addresses identifying and responding to symptoms, living with dementia, progression and staging, palliation, behavioural and psychological symptoms, and nonpharmacological therapies.