Alzheimer’s Disease Course

Alzheimer’s Disease – Online Course

Course overview
This online course explores Alzheimer’s disease, including its symptoms, causes, progression and impact on everyday life. Learners will develop an understanding of how the condition affects the brain, how it differs from other forms of dementia and the approaches used to support people at different stages. The course also covers person-centred care, communication, behavioural changes, nutrition, treatment options and the role of carers in maintaining wellbeing, dignity and independence. It takes approximately one hour to complete and is CPD accredited.

Please note: This course provides knowledge and awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and person-centred support. It does not replace clinical qualifications, practical instruction or role-specific training an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Introduction to Alzheimer’s disease
• Common symptoms and ten early signs of the condition
• How Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain
• The role of plaques and tangles
• Causes and risk factors
• Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
• Differences between Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
• Stages and progression of the condition
• Diagnosis and support following diagnosis
• Treatment options
• Sleep problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease
• Behavioural changes and potential triggers
• Assessing changes in behaviour and responding appropriately
• Strategies for supporting carers
• Person-centred support for people living with Alzheimer’s disease
• Care needs during the middle and later stages
• Transitioning to a care facility
• Nutrition, eating and fluid intake
• Maintaining health in the later stages of the condition

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for people who support individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease in healthcare, social care, residential care and community settings. It can also benefit family carers and others seeking to improve their understanding of the condition. The course may be used for induction, refresher learning and continuing professional development.

It may be useful for:
• Nurses and healthcare assistants
• Care workers and senior carers
• Care home and domiciliary care staff
• Social workers and community support workers
• Mental health professionals
• Occupational therapists
• Healthcare and social care managers
• Volunteers supporting people living with Alzheimer’s disease
• Family carers and other individuals involved in providing support

Practical benefits
• Develop an understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and its progression
• Recognise early symptoms and changes that may occur as the condition advances
• Understand the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on memory, communication and daily activities
• Improve awareness of behavioural changes and possible triggers
• Support individuals through person-centred care approaches
• Adapt communication to individual needs and circumstances
• Promote dignity, choice, independence and quality of life
• Understand the importance of nutrition, hydration and general wellbeing
• Gain a CPD-accredited digital certificate after successfully completing the assessment

What learners will be able to do
• Explain how Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain and everyday functioning
• Recognise common symptoms and early indicators of the condition
• Describe the stages of Alzheimer’s disease and how support needs may change
• Understand the diagnosis and treatment options covered in the course
• Recognise changes in behaviour and consider possible triggers
• Apply person-centred principles when supporting individuals
• Adapt communication and support to individual preferences and needs
• Understand approaches to supporting nutrition, hydration and wellbeing
• Promote dignity, independence and meaningful participation
• Recognise when changes in a person’s presentation may require further assessment or support

Is this training a legal requirement?
There is no specific UK law requiring every employee to complete an Alzheimer’s disease course. However, employers have responsibilities to provide appropriate information, instruction and training where needed for employees to carry out their roles safely and competently. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 are relevant to workplace safety and the provision of care. Regulation 18 addresses staffing and staff competence. Appropriate training needs depend on an employee’s responsibilities and workplace setting.

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online multiple-choice test. After successfully passing the assessment, they receive a CPD-accredited digital certificate that can be downloaded or printed. The course is delivered online, takes approximately one hour to complete and can be accessed using a phone, tablet or computer.