Program Overview

CG6015 Understanding Cognitive Disorders and Dementia

Course Fact File

• Code: CG6015
• Duration: September to November
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: CPD Module
• Fees: €1,080.00 for general intake, €1,250 (50% funding available for suitable applicants) for Springboard+ option
• Closing Date: 16th July for Springboard+, 18th August 2025 for general intake
• Venue: Venues will be booked in advance
• Credits: 10
• Start Date: 18th September 2025

Outline

The objective of this module is to gain an understanding of the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Module Content

• Epidemiology
• Risk factors and prevention of dementia
• Cognitive reserve, cognitive domains, and commonly used cognitive assessment tools
• Language versus memory in assessment
• Subjective memory impairment and mild cognitive impairment versus dementia
• Diagnosing and disclosing diagnoses
• Differential diagnosis of dementia
• Dementia sub-types
• Delirium
• Treatment of memory impairment - cognitive enhancing medications, cognitive rehabilitation, cognitive stimulation
• Treatment of "Behaviour and Psychological symptoms of dementia" psychosocioeducational interventions, medications

Learning Outcomes

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

• Critically discuss the current evidence for interventions to prevent and/or delay dementia
• Integrate knowledge of brain regions, cognitive domains, and specific dementia syndromes to aid diagnosis and individualized care planning
• Discuss the assessment and differential diagnoses of subjective and objective cognitive impairment
• Evaluate preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions for delirium in various settings
• Reflect upon the complex inter-relationship between communication and cognition as it relates to cognitive assessment
• Critically appraise the evidence for treatment strategies for BPSD, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies
• Evaluate commonly used rehabilitation strategies for cognitive impairment, both restorative and adaptive

Practicalities

Assessment

• Total Marks: 200
• Continuous Assessment: 200 marks (1 x 3,000 Word Essay - 150 Marks, In-Class MCQ - 50 Marks)

Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment

Teaching Method(s)

• 40 x 1hr(s) Lectures (Includes Group Discussions, Workshops, and Directed Study, e-learning, and web seminars)
• 160 x 1hr(s) Other (Self-Directed Learning)

A ten-credit module equates to 200-250 hours of learning, including approximately 40-50 hours of structured contact time.

Contact Days

• Thursday 18th September 2025
• Friday 19th September 2025
• Thursday 13th November 2025
• Friday 14th November 2025

Requirements

Candidates must have:

1. A Primary Degree in a relevant health care discipline or an equivalent academic qualification and professional experience to be approved by the programme team
2. Ideally candidates should have at least one year's practical experience in their area of qualification post-registration
3. Applicants who do not meet the normal academic or experience requirements may also be considered following a review of their individual qualifications and experience by the Programme Team

*A relevant health care discipline includes but is not limited to medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy, speech and hearing science, audiology, physiotherapy, psychology, and social studies.

Fees and Costs

• General Intake: The fee for this module is €1,080. There is also a €35 application fee.
• Springboard+ Fee: €1,250. Limited places available. You may be eligible for 50% funding through Springboard+. Check your eligibility and apply via the Springboard+ website.

CPD Module Credit

• Towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia: In accordance with UCC's policy on Recognition of Prior Learning, a student who has successfully completed modules for Continuous Professional Development within the MSc in Dementia programme, and/or has completed relevant university postgraduate modules in a cognate area at similar NFQ level (subject to approval of the Programme Team), and who meets the entry requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia, can apply to register for the Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years. The modules available to be taken under these conditions are to a maximum of 20 credits in total, with a limit of 15 credits to be taken in any year.
• Towards the MSc in Dementia: In accordance with UCC's policy on Recognition of Prior Learning, a student who has successfully completed modules for Continuous Professional Development within the MSc in Dementia programme, and/or has completed relevant university postgraduate modules in a cognate area at similar NFQ level (subject to approval of the Programme Team), and who meets the entry requirements for the MSc in Dementia, can apply to register for the MSc in Dementia with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years. The modules available to be taken under these conditions are to a maximum of 20 credits in total, with a limit of 15 credits to be taken in any year. Acceptance of a candidate onto the MSc in Dementia is subject to Garda Vetting. Click here to view UCC's Student Garda Vetting Policy.