Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The University College Cork (UCC) offers a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module titled "Contemporary Approaches to Dementia, Stroke, and Mental Health in Later Life" (NU6117). This module is designed for registered healthcare professionals in Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, and Clinical Therapies or other allied disciplines.

Module Objective

The primary objective of this module is to critically evaluate contemporary approaches to dementia care across the continuum of care. Upon successful completion, students should be able to critically discuss the impact of dementia, evaluate non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches to care, and explore assessment methods for cognition, function, behavior, and stage of dementia.

Module Content

The module covers a range of topics, including:

• Overview of cognitive, neurological, and mental health challenges in later life
• Cognitive health: assessment and management to optimize cognition
• Neurodegenerative conditions: exploring stroke, Parkinson's, delirium, dementia
• Mental health challenges: life transitions, loneliness, depression, and other related issues in later life
• Assessment and reassessment of healthcare across the continuum of care in later life
• Determining multifaceted approaches to living well for older people and their support network
• Coordination of multidisciplinary team (MDT) care and interagency health services and voluntary agencies

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Identify neurodegenerative and mental health challenges in later life
• Critically discuss a range of approaches to assessment and management of cognitive health
• Demonstrate an understanding of key neurodegenerative conditions applicable to their area of practice
• Describe mental health challenges for older people applicable to their area of practice
• Critically apply relevant evidence-based approaches to assessment and evaluation of health and decision-making care across the continuum of care in later life
• Determine multifaceted approaches to living well for older people and their support network (both informal and formal supports - family, friends, and caregivers)
• Discuss the coordination of MDT care and interagency health services and voluntary agencies to facilitate living well for older people

Teaching Method

The module is taught through a blended learning approach, combining online learning with two on-campus workshops. The teaching methods include lectures, workshops, discussion board preparation and participation, required reading, assignment preparation and submission, and self-directed learning.

Assessment

The assessment for this module consists of a 1,500-word assignment (80 marks), e-activities (20 marks), and a seminar presentation (100 marks), totaling 200 marks. The seminar presentation includes a digital recording.

Requirements

To be eligible for this module, applicants must be registered healthcare professionals in Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, and Clinical Therapies or other allied disciplines. They must provide evidence of current registration with the relevant professional regulatory body. Applicants from allied disciplines must provide evidence of professional certification where appropriate.

Fees and Costs

The fee for this module is 900.

Duration and Start Date

The module runs for 6 weeks, from February 16, 2026, to March 27, 2026, with specific workshop dates scheduled on February 19, February 24 (online), and March 12, 2026.

Credits

This module is worth 10 credits.

Venue

The module will be held at the Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork.

Conclusion

The "Contemporary Approaches to Dementia, Stroke, and Mental Health in Later Life" module at UCC is a comprehensive CPD program designed for healthcare professionals. It offers a critical evaluation of contemporary approaches to dementia care, covering a wide range of topics from cognitive health to the coordination of care services. With its blended learning approach and assessment methods, this module provides a valuable learning experience for those seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in this area.