Specialist care for people with alzheimer's disease

The specialist care for people with Alzheimer's course is designed to provide the theoretical and practical knowledge you need to care for and support people living with this neurodegenerative disease. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia in older people and is characterised by the progressive loss of neurons, which affects memory and essential cognitive functions.

In this online course you will learn to recognise the characteristics of the disease, how it is diagnosed, its symptoms, progression and complications, as well as intervention strategies and psychosocial support. It looks in depth at how to organise the living environment and home appropriately, how to communicate effectively with patients and how to manage family care.

The course is aimed at anyone who wants to work professionally in health and social care for people with Alzheimer's – from carers to care technicians – and who wants to improve these people's quality of life through specialist care adapted to their physical and mental needs.

The online format makes the course easy to access and combines flexible tutor support with practical, up-to-date content. Lasting 190 hours and priced at 90 euros, the course focuses on acquiring the essential skills for the multidimensional care of these patients, with no compulsory work placement.

This course gives you the skills needed to provide specialist, high-quality care to people with Alzheimer's, understanding their needs and applying the right care techniques.

• Analyse in depth the origins, symptoms and progression of Alzheimer's disease.
• Identify and assess the person's physical, psychological and social needs.
• Apply strategies to create a safe, adapted environment in the person's home.
• Implement treatments and interventions to improve quality of life.
• Communicate effectively and empathetically with the person and their family.
• Recognise and support the main carer, promoting the family's wellbeing.
• Use practical guidelines to deal with the behavioural and psychological disorders associated with the disease.
• Understand the legal aspects and the rights of people with the disease and their carers.

Memory and how it works

Explains the memory process and its importance in human beings – the basis for understanding how the disease affects it.

Dementia: concept and types

An introduction to dementias, their general characteristics and how they differ from one another.

What is Alzheimer's?

A specific definition of Alzheimer's disease, its prevalence and its main characteristics.

Diagnosing Alzheimer's

Covers the techniques and criteria used for early detection and confirmation of the diagnosis.

Main symptoms of the disease

A detailed description of the clinical signs and typical manifestations of Alzheimer's at each stage.

Progression and stages of Alzheimer's

An analysis of how the disease progresses, its stages and how it affects the patient's abilities.

General complications in people with Alzheimer's

Identifying and managing the common physical complications in patients with Alzheimer's.

Psychological complications in Alzheimer's

A study of the associated psychological and behavioural disorders and their influence on care.

Organising the person's environment and home

Teaches techniques for adapting the home and making it safe for people with Alzheimer's.

Treatment and intervention

An exploration of therapeutic and support strategies aimed at improving quality of life.

The person with Alzheimer's in the family setting

The impact of the disease on the family and how to involve them in day-to-day care.

The main carer

The roles and needs of the main carer and how to support them in caring for the patient.

Associated behavioural and psychological disorders

Identifying other common disorders and how to address them in everyday care.

Guidelines for coping with Alzheimer's day to day

Practical strategies and tips for managing care and daily life together.

Communicating with a person with Alzheimer's

Recommendations for improving interaction and communicating effectively with the patient.

Society today and Alzheimer's

An analysis of the social context and of awareness-raising around the disease and care.

Available social resources

A description of the social resources and services that support patients and carers.

Legal aspects of the disease

Information on the regulations, rights and legislation affecting the person with the disease and those around them.

Rights of people with Alzheimer's and their carers

Knowledge of the legal and social rights designed to protect them.

The course prepares you to work in health and social care looking after people with Alzheimer's, improving their quality of life and providing psychosocial support. It is useful for anyone who wants to join care teams in care homes, day centres or home care services.

• Specialist carer for people with Alzheimer's
• Health and social care technician for dependent people
• Home care assistant for people with dementia
• Occupational therapy and cognitive stimulation activities instructor
• Staff member in day centres and care homes for older people

Sectors and employers

• Centres and care homes for older people
• Home care services
• Foundations and associations dedicated to Alzheimer's care
• Public and private health and social care institutions