Using video and animation, this DTA micro-course gives an introduction to the brain, as a foundation for understanding causes of dementia.
Dementia Discovery
Dementia Discovery is designed to help those new to the workforce, who may have limited knowledge about dementia. It aims to increase knowledge about dementia with tips on ‘where to next’ for training and resources.
This brief module focuses on changes in the brain that may be related to Alzheimer's disease.
This brief module focuses on changes in the brain that may be related to vascular dementia.
This brief module focuses on changes in the brain that may be related to frontotemporal dementia
This brief module focuses on changes in the brain that may be related to Dementia with Lewy Bodies.
What is it like to see the world through the eyes of person with dementia? Using video and animation, this DTA micro-course gives an introduction to the concepts of empathy and person-centred care.
This brief module focuses on dementia related changes and principles to bear in mind for communicating with respect and dignity.
Section 1
Understanding the causes of dementia
Dementia is one word, but it describes a range of conditions that involve changes in the brain and a wide collection of possible symptoms.
Short Course
Dementia Discovery: Understanding the brain and dementia
30 mins
Certificate of Completion
Using video and animation, this DTA short-course gives an introduction to the brain, as a foundation for understanding causes of dementia.
Access course
Section 2
Learn more about types of dementia
After completing the short-course “Dementia Discovery: Understanding dementia and the brain”, here are some additional short-courses to build your knowledge about specific types of dementia and potential underlying changes in the brain.
Alzheimer’s disease
Short Course
Dementia Discovery: Understanding the brain and dementia
15 mins
Certificate of Completion
Access course
Vascular dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
Short Course
Dementia Discovery: Frontotemporal dementia
15 mins
Certificate of Completion
Access course
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Short Course
Dementia Discovery: Dementia with Lewy bodies
15 mins
Certificate of Completion
Access course
The name of this focus area is changing from “Responsive Behaviours” to “Changed Behaviour”. You may see both terms while we transition our content to Changed Behaviour.
Section 3
Providing care and support
Empathy and a person-centred approach are key for supporting people living with dementia.
Short Course
Dementia Discovery: Empathy Matters
30 mins
Certificate of Completion
Using video and animation, this DTA short-course gives an introduction to the concepts of empathy and person-centred care.
Access course
Short Course
Dementia Discovery: Communication Matters
60 mins
Certificate of Completion
Communication skills are important for the workforce supporting people living with dementia. This 1 hour module focuses on dementia related changes and principles to bear in mind for communicating with respect and dignity.
Access course
Resource
Responsive Behaviours Quick Reference Cards
DTA’s Responsive Behaviours Quick Reference Cards are designed as an on-the-spot point of reference, to remind or prompt interactions and raise points to consider.
Read now
Dementia Discovery provides a basic working knowledge about the brain, types of dementia, and principles of person-centred care and communication.
Section 4
Continue your dementia journey with foundational training
Skilful support for persons with dementia requires us to build on this knowledge with foundational learning on a range of topics – such as understanding the role of the environment, effects of medications, and changes in behaviour.
DTA offers a range of online courses that are:
Short
Mobile-friendly
Cost free
for learners
Certificate of completion
Appreciating diversity
Younger Onset Dementia
- Dementia Australia Helpsheet #1: Younger onset dementia
- Dementia Australia offers a free online course Understanding younger onset dementia
Sexualities and Dementia
- DTA webinar recording: Sexualities and Dementia
- DTA’s online course Caring for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) People with Dementia
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI)
- Dementia Australia Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- DTA guest lecture recording on communication method of Yarning
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse peoples (CALD)
- Dementia Australia Helpsheet library in different languages
Homelessness
Dementia Australia has produced this short video on the link between dementia and the social causes of the health of homeless people.
Veterans
- DTA guest lecture recording: Supporting Veterans in aged and community care