Dementia Care Specialist Training · BASIC DEMENTIA CARE
Course summary
Build a practical foundation in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, from recognition and diagnosis to safety, behavior support, and caregiver resources.
Start anytime. Learn at your own pace.
- Six focused modules in approximately three hours
- The foundational course in a two-tier training pathway
- Videos, case studies, realistic scenarios, and knowledge checks
- A Johns Hopkins completion microcredential
Foundational knowledge for thoughtful dementia care
Basic Dementia Care (Tier 1) introduces Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and the best practices that support effective disease management.
You will examine screening and diagnosis, associated behaviors, health care needs, home and personal safety, and the essential role of caregivers and community resources. Successful completion prepares you to continue to Tier 2: Advanced Dementia Care.
What you will be able to do
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Describe Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including common causes, symptoms, and risk factors.
- Explain approaches to dementia diagnosis, including the role of validated cognitive screening tools.
- Apply core management practices to dementia-related health needs and associated behaviors.
- Identify and address safety concerns affecting the home and the individual.
- Support caregivers and care navigation by connecting individuals and families with health-system and community resources.
Course modules
Progress through six self-paced modules that connect foundational dementia knowledge with practical approaches to care.
Modules 1–3
Recognize and assess dementia
- Module 1: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
- Module 2: Diagnosing Dementia, Including Validated Cognitive Screening Tools
- Module 3: Best Practices for Managing Dementia and Associated Behaviors
Modules 4–6
Promote safety and coordinated care
- Module 4: Health Care Needs and Navigating the Health Care System
- Module 5: Assessing and Addressing Home and Personal Safety
- Module 6: Supporting Caregivers and Connecting to Community Resources
Earn a completion microcredential
After successfully completing Tier 1, learners receive a completion microcredential from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Memory and Aging Services Innovation Center and may continue to Tier 2.
Course access, requirements, and policies
Review the practical details below before enrolling.
Prerequisites and technology
Learning prerequisites
There are no specific course prerequisites. English-language fluency is required.
Technical prerequisites
The course is delivered through the Canvas learning management system at Canvas.jhu.edu. Google Chrome is the preferred browser. Content may include videos, readings, quizzes, and other activities.
Hardware: Computer, webcam, microphone, and speakers or headset.
Software and access: Google Chrome, Canvas.jhu.edu, Zoom, Microsoft Office or similar software, and email.
Course access and learner support
Course lifecycle and access
After registering, you will receive an email confirming your registration and instructions for accessing the complete course. Learners have active access for 180 days after registration.
Technical support
Visit the Hopkins Edge Support page for policy information or to submit a technical support request. A Hopkins Edge representative will respond within one to two business days.
Payment, tuition remission, and refunds
Tuition remission
Johns Hopkins University employees may qualify for tuition remission. Review the JHU noncredit tuition-assistance policy for eligibility and guidelines.
Refund policy and timeline
Online on-demand/self-paced programs: No refunds are available after purchase, even if course content has not been accessed. Because access is granted immediately upon registration, all sales are final.
Accessibility and accreditation
Accessibility
Johns Hopkins University is committed to providing all participants with the opportunity to pursue excellence in their learning endeavors, including disability-related accommodations and services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and our goal of delivering accessible, inclusive experiences.
If you require accommodations, contact Hopkins Edge through the Support page. Additional information is available from JHU Accessibility. Please do not include personally identifiable information, such as a Social Security number, in any message.
Accreditation
Johns Hopkins University is not approved by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education for direct-assessment credentials for academic credit. This course results in a completion microcredential; it does not appear on a JHU transcript or count toward an academic record.