Program Overview

Dementia from Cell to Society for Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dietitians, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Audiologists, Autumn 2027

This course aims to deepen the knowledge and understanding of dementia and strengthen the ability to contribute to high-quality, efficient care for patients. The course has been developed in cooperation with Stiftelsen Silviahemmet.

About the Course

The course is unique in its multi-professional approach, including participants from various fields such as dentists, dental hygienists, dietitians, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. Learning together provides a broader perspective on dementia care, oral health, and communication, and fosters collaboration across disciplines. Participants will have the opportunity to build valuable networks with professionals from different fields.

Objectives

The course aims to increase knowledge about:

• Risk factors, symptoms, and progression of different dementia disorders
• Professional role and team-related aspects in the care of people with dementia
• Consequences of dementia from a biopsychosocial perspective
• Informal care and support for people with dementia

Course Set-up

The course amounts to 15 ECTS and is delivered part-time. It is given in English and is fully online, consisting of webinars, lectures (mainly pre-recorded), individual assignments, online discussions, and seminars.

Target Groups

The course is designed for dentists, dental hygienists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists who work with older adults and regularly meet patients with dementia.

Course Content

The course is divided into two modules:

• Dementia from a Biological Perspective (7.5 credits): Covers the most common types of dementia, prevention, symptoms, progression, and interventions. This module also covers the consequences of dementia from a biopsychosocial perspective.
• Dementia from a Societal Perspective (7.5 credits): Focuses on how to interact with people with dementia in different stages of the illness, including a reflection on what it is like to live with dementia and how family members perceive the illness.

Course Leaders and Lecturers

Course Leaders

• Anna-Karin Welmer: Senior lecturer in physiotherapy, associate professor in aging research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet.
• Eva Lindqvist: Lecturer, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet.
• Camilla Malinowsky: Senior lecturer, docent, deputy head of the Division of Occupational Therapy at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet.

Lecturers

• Inger Wĺrdh: Specialist dentist orofacial medicine and associate professor in gerodontics, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet.
• Nivetha Gavriilidou: PhD, lecturer.
• Christina Samuelsson: Professor, speech and language pathologist at Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet.
• Jeannette Ekblom Hägerström: Lecturer at Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet.

Date and Location

The course is planned for the autumn of 2027 and will be conducted through interactive online studies via the learning platform Canvas and meetings on Zoom.

Price

The course fee is 35,000 SEK, and VAT may be added. Please note that the price is subject to changes.

Contract Education

This course is offered as contract education in accordance with Swedish regulations (SFS 2002:760) and can only be commissioned by a legal entity such as an organisation or company. Participants should confirm that their employer will cover the cost.

Brief Information About the Course

• Fee: 35,000 SEK
• Credit: 15 hp
• Study form: Distance learning