Dementia from Cell to Society, 15 credits

At least 180 ECTS in which it should be included a bachelor of science or professional degree in occupational therapy, physiotherapy, logopedics, audiology, dental care (dentist or dental hygienist), or clinical nutrition (dietician). Proficiency in English equivalent to English B/English 6 is also required.

After completed course the participants should have acquired knowledge of dementia from a biopsychosocial perspective and an advanced understanding of both team-related aspects and aspects related to their own profession of the care of people with dementia. The course should also provide the participants with knowledge of support and treatment for individuals with dementia and their relatives.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, the participant should independently be able to:

• identify and explain working methods, roles and skills of their own profession for the treatment of individuals with dementia at different stages
• describe and discuss optimal care for individuals with dementia by having knowledge of teamwork and the working methods, roles, and skills of other professions
• explain causes (including risk factors), symptoms, and progression for different dementia types
• discuss consequences of dementia at different stages of the disease from a biopsychosocial perspective, and based on ethical dilemmas and the relatives' perspectives 

The course is divided in two parts.

Covers prevention, cause, symptoms, progression, interventions, and consequences of the mostly commonly occurring dementias from a biopsychosocial perspective and based on interprofessional perspectives as well as perspectives related to specific professions.

Covers treatment of individuals with dementia of different stages in society.

Includes how it is to live with dementia and how it is to be next of kin to individuals with dementia, as well as ethical dilemmas.

The course is carried out as distance education and has participant-activating learning in focus as a pedagogical model.
The distance education is IT-based and is characterised by a mix of independent and collaborative learning.
In the course, individual study assignments, group work, online discussions, seminars, and lectures are used.

The examination of both module1 and 2 consists of a written individual assignment that is presented and reviewed in seminars. The course is based on collaborative learning and active participation is required in group discussions and presentation of other study assignments.

The examiner decides whether, and if so how, absence from or failure to complete compulsory course elements can be made up. Study results cannot be reported until the participant has participated in or completed compulsory course elements or compensated for any absence in accordance with instructions from the examiner. Absence from or failure to complete a compulsory course element could mean that the participant cannot retake the element until the next time the course is offered.

The number of examinations is regulated as agreed. Times for examination sessions are given at start.

Interim regulations are regulated as agreed.

Language of instruction: English.
Course evaluation takes place in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education.