Diagnosing Dementia

The Diagnosing Dementia course is divided into six structured units, each designed to enhance the practitioner's ability to recognize and manage dementia in clinical practice. Here’s an overview of each of the units:

Unit 1: Understanding Dementia
This unit provides an overview of dementia, explaining its progressive nature and how it affects brain function. Participants learn about the underlying causes, such as neuron damage and risk factors like age, lifestyle, and genetics. The unit emphasises that dementia is not a normal part of aging, highlighting the importance of recognising early signs​.

Unit 2: Four Main Disease Processes
In this unit, participants explore the four most common types of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. It covers the causes, symptoms, and progression of each type, including how these diseases affect memory, behaviour, and executive function. Additionally, the unit touches on younger onset dementia, emphasising the impact on individuals diagnosed before age 65.

Unit 3: Diagnosing Dementia
Unit 3 focuses on the diagnostic process. Participants learn how to take a detailed patient history, perform examinations, and assess risk factors. It explains the importance of early diagnosis for planning future care, including power of attorney and advanced directives. This unit also outlines the challenges of differentiating dementia from other conditions like delirium or depression​.

Unit 4: Screening Tools
This unit provides an in-depth look at various screening tools used to assess cognitive decline. Participants are introduced to tools such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG), Clock Drawing Test, and Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS). The unit highlights the strengths and limitations of each tool, guiding practitioners on when and how to use them​.

Unit 5: Investigations
In this unit, participants explore the range of pathology and imaging tests used in the diagnostic process. Common investigations include blood tests to rule out reversible causes like vitamin deficiencies or infections, and imaging techniques such as CT and MRI scans to detect brain abnormalities. The unit also covers advanced tests like PET scans and genetic testing, discussing when specialist referrals are necessary.

Unit 6: Case Studies
The final unit presents real-life case studies, allowing participants to apply their knowledge to practical scenarios. These cases demonstrate how to gather patient history, use screening tools, and interpret test results to diagnose and manage dementia. The case studies help reinforce the learning from previous units, ensuring participants are prepared for clinical situations​.

This course provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to diagnose dementia effectively, empowering them to offer timely support and care to patients and their families.