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.

Dementia Discovery: Empathy Matters

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.

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Readings listed include Helpsheets by DTA consortium member, Dementia Australia.

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A Certificate of Completion is available for completed courses in My Dashboard.

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
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.

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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
15 mins
Certificate of Completion

Access course

Vascular dementia

Short Course
15 mins
Certificate of Completion

Access course

Frontotemporal dementia

Short Course
15 mins
Certificate of Completion

Access course

Dementia with Lewy bodies

Short Course
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
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
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.

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Reading
5 mins

Download now

Resource

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

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 dementia courses

Short

Mobile device

Mobile-friendly

Cost free

Cost free
for learners

Certificate of completion

Appreciating diversity

Younger Onset Dementia

Sexualities and Dementia

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI)

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse peoples (CALD)

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