Dementia care foundations — Coursework

This module gathers foundational dementia-care guidance from established organizations. We did not write this guidance — we organized it and linked every source. Read the originals; they are the authority.

What you'll take away

How communication changes across the stages of dementia
Why redirection works better than correction
A calm approach to non-recognition, agitation, and sundowning
When a change in behavior is a signal to involve the family or a clinician

1. Communication is the core skill

The Alzheimer's Association describes communication as the caregiving skill that matters most as the disease progresses: short sentences, a warm tone, one idea at a time, and patience with silence.

2. Redirect, don't correct

Arguing a person back into your version of reality raises fear. The NIA guidance favors redirection toward a familiar, soothing routine.

3. Sundowning and the end of the day

Late-day confusion and agitation ("sundowning") are common. Predictable evening routines, good light, and reduced noise help — see the cited sources for specifics.

4. Know when to escalate

A sudden, sharp change from baseline can be medical. The CDC guidance is clear: when in doubt, the family should contact the person's clinician.

When you've read this module and its sources, the knowledge check covers these four ideas. Passing it — together with the other modules — earns your coursework badge, which says nothing about your skill and everything about your effort to learn from good published sources.