Program Overview

---

Contemporary Approaches to Dementia, Stroke, and Mental Health in Later Life

Module Fact File

• Code: NU6117
• Duration: 16th February to 27th March 2026
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: CPD Module
• Fees: €900
• Closing Date: 16/01/2026
• Venue: Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork
• Credits: 10
• Start Date: 16/02/2026

Outline

Module Objective

To critically evaluate contemporary approaches to dementia care across the continuum of care.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Critically discuss the impact of dementia on the individual, the family, on caregivers, and on society
• Critically evaluate a range of contemporary non-pharmacological approaches to care across the continuum of care
• Critically evaluate current approaches to pharmacological management of dementia
• Critically explore a range of approaches to the assessment of the individual's cognition, function, behaviour, and stage of dementia
• Critically analyse the impact of environmental design features on the person with dementia in a variety of care settings
• Identify appropriate therapeutic communication strategies for people with dementia in a variety of care settings
• In the context of international trends in dementia care, critically evaluate current Irish policy in regard to dementia
• Critically explore a range of approaches to the understanding, assessment and management of behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of dementia
• Identify a range of evidence-based interventions to support informal dementia caregivers

Module Content

• Overview of cognitive, neurological and mental health challenges in later life
• Cognitive health: assessment and management to optimise 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 health care across the continuum of care in later life
• Determine multifaceted approaches to living well for older people and their support network
• Co-ordination of MDT care and interagency health services and voluntary agencies

Practicalities

Assessment

Total Marks 200: Continuous Assessment 200 marks (1,500 word assignment - 80 marks; E activities - 20 marks; seminar presentation - 100 marks. The seminar presentation will include digital recording.)

Requirements

Open to registered health care professionals in Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, and Clinical Therapies or other allied disciplines.

Applicants who are practising health care professionals must provide evidence of current registration with the relevant professional regulatory body (e.g. the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (active registration), the Irish Medical Council, the Health & Social Care Professions Council (or equivalent regulatory body for pharmacists, occupational therapist, podiatrists, speech and language therapists etc.))

Applicants from allied disciplines must provide evidence of professional certification, where appropriate.

Applicants who are under 23 years of age must satisfy the minimum entry requirements as for the Degrees in Nursing or Midwifery, as set out here

Admission to the module(s) will be subject to internal university approval processes on the recommendation of the Head of School.

Applicants for Nursing and Midwifery CPD modules who do not hold an up-to-date IELTS certificate showing the requisite Academic Board approved CM&H scores must demonstrate evidence of appropriate work experience within an English language environment for at least the previous 2 years.

Fees and Costs

€900

Additional Teaching Mode Information

Teaching Method(s)

16hrs Lectures/Workshop; 184hrs Distance Learning; Discussion Board Preparation and Participation, Required Reading, Assignment Preparation and Submission, Self-Directed Learning.

Blended - on line with two workshops dates on Campus.

Runs 16/2/26 - 27/3/26 (6 weeks).

Workshop dates

• 19th February .30-16.30 Brookfield Health Sciences Complex;
• 24th February .30-16.30 Online Live workshop;
• 12th March .30-16.30 Brookfield Health Sciences Complex - Rooms to be confirmed.