Dementia Academy
Promoting prevention, supporting management
From prevention and early recognition through to the end of life, this Academy is at the forefront of optimal care modelling with its interactive Care Pathway and new Brain Health Clinic blueprint.
Promoting prevention, supporting management
Led by proactive clinicians determined to see improvement in the way we prevent, diagnose and manage dementias, Dementia Academy supports healthcare professionals with the latest tools, resources and courses to do just that.
Healthcare professionals have come together from across different backgrounds, localities, experiences and service models to develop our courses. They make up our valued Faculty, and are constantly shaping and updating the content and style of delivery to maximise its relevance and practicality.
As with all our Academies, there is a strong emphasis on the practical application of learning, but with dementia, this brings a strong focus on prevention and risk modification. Equipping delegates with both the knowledge and toolkits they need, this collegiate community is working hard to promote brain health and dementia prevention as well as early diagnosis and optimal management.
This Academy is leading the way through national consensus guidance which can in turn be used to improve local service models. Our first Academy to develop a locally-tailored course in 2021, which was a bespoke training series for a whole spectrum of healthcare practitioners from GPs and community services to specialists and consultants. This education in mild cognitive impairment inspired a collaborative approach to quality improvement projects in the area. Education with impact report
Forthcoming Dementia Academy MasterClasses and events...
On Demand Webinars
Miss out on a webinar? Had to leave an event before a keynote speaker? Our catalogue of on demand sessions ranges from short videos and podcasts, to webinars and full events, giving you an opportunity to learn and develop in the areas that matter to you, in your own time...
From prevention and early recognition through to the end of life, this Academy is at the forefront of optimal care modelling with its interactive Care Pathway and new Brain Health Clinic blueprint.
Dementia Academy offers a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to receive expert training in dementia.
Following in the successful footsteps of the Parkinson’s Academy which was established in 2002, the Dementia Academy delivers an innovative educational programme in the field of dementia. The MasterClass aims to provide a structured training programme for clinicians who seek formal training in both the clinical and managerial aspects of running a ‘dementia service’. The educational style of the Academy provides unique clinical skills enhancement and service development.
The Dementia MasterClass is for primary and secondary care clinicians, including nurses, GPwERs, geriatricians, old age psychiatry consultants, registrars and specialist pharmacists. The training course will cover topics including:
- Practical neuroimaging for dementia
- Less common forms of dementia
- Practical dementia assessment
- Primary care aspects
- The acute setting – including delirium assessment
- Psychiatric and behavioural disturbances
- Cognitive impairment
- Workshops around: driving and legal aspects, carer support, community support, OT assessment
The Dementia Academy draws on the expertise of leaders in the field who deliver top quality education in small groups of approx. 30 and a relaxed atmosphere. The courses have the input from a range of disciplines, and of course from patients themselves.
“The sessions were excellent and a good mix of academic stuff and 'softer' topics around support/care. Both very good indeed.”
Delegate feedback from Dementia MasterClass 7
Prof Iracema Leroi and Dr Gregor Russell at Dementia MasterClass 7
Not only does the Academy provide updates on the evidence base for managing dementia and practical support on how to develop an dementia service, the course is also an invaluable opportunity to establish an ongoing network of peer support.
An integral part of the MasterClass is the intermodule project. Attendees undertake a workplace project on an issue within their own area. This might be around service delivery, patient management or an aspect of drug management and might involve a service description, an audit or research.
The project concludes with presentation to the course members and Faculty in Module 2. This project is a required piece of work which completes the CPD sign-off for the course. To get an idea of what a project might entail you can read our latest 'Education with impact' report.
The Academy MasterClass programmes are approved by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom. The most recent Dementia MasterClass 7 was awarded 20 category 1 (external) CPD credits. Please note that the credits are subject to approval of the final programme.
Dementia Academy
News and articles
World Alzheimer’s Day 2024: progress in diagnosis, treatment and prevention
World Alzheimer’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on recent transformative advances in dementia research and care. The past months have been marked by significant breakthroughs, pushing the boundaries of how we will diagnose, treat and manage Alzheimer’s disease. From new treatments like lecanemab, the first disease-modifying therapy approved in the UK, to the potential of blood tests and artificial intelligence in early detection, we are entering a promising time to address the growing health challenge of dementia.
Academy and faculty leaders
We are led and supported by experts with a variety of backgrounds across a range of disciplines. By bringing different passions to the Academy, they ensure we maintain a high quality of content and information across a diverse field of knowledge.
Projects – putting learning into practice
Taking practical education to a fundamental level, some of our courses include a workplace project. An opportunity to test new knowledge and skills and to improve local services, delegates are offered mentorship and encouraged to support their peers as they continue to develop their specialism in a way that directly impacts their patient's outcomes.
Attendees have free reign over this project. It might be service delivery, patient management or drug treatments, and it could take the form of a service description, an audit, or another form of research. It should meet a local need.
When complete, the project closes with a presentation to the other course members, faculty, and often their managers, commissioners or other people of influence in their area.
Dementia resources and knowledge
Access a collection of resources for Dementia professionals, including webinars, podcasts, event reports and an archive of Academy newsletters.
