| CODE | GER5104 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Understanding Dementia: Theoretical Perspectives | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Gerontology and Dementia Studies | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit will give a critical introduction to the theoretical aspects of dementia including the biomedical, sociological and psychological perspectives focusing on the individual with the syndrome and the caregivers who provide most of the care and support throughout the whole dementia process. It will examine not only the organic changes that occur in the brain in the different forms of dementia but will also include factors such as gender issues, culture and social perception in an effort to widen the social model apart from the medico-physical one. Study-unit Aims: This unit aims to provided students with knowledge on key theoretical issues in the understanding of dementia through a number of themes including historical aspects of the dementia syndrome, the biomedical and neurological perspective, the behavioural and cognitive aspect as well as the socio-psychological aspect. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - categorise the different forms of dementia which affect the brain with the consequent progression and loss of cognitive function; - recognise the prevalence, risk and protective factors of dementia; - locate the importance of early diagnosis, instruments used for diagnosing the different forms of dementia and available pharmacotherapy; - describe the behavioural and psychological perspectives on living with dementia. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - analyse and examine research literature on the topics covered in the study-unit; - explain how different forms of dementia have an effect on the observed symptomology; - demonstrate the knowledge gained to implement problem solving skills in their own practice and in relation to dementia care; - describe the key principles of ways to communicate with individuals with dementia; - express the diverse aspects of dementia diagnosis, management and care. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main texts: - Smith G. E. and Bondi M. W. (2013). Mild cognitive impairment and dementia: definitions, diagnosis, and treatment. Oxford Workshop Series. Oxford University Press. - Bourgeois M. S. and Hickey E. (2009). Dementia: from diagnosis to management - a functional approach. Taylor and Francis. - Downs M. and Bowers B. J. (Eds) (2014). Excellence in dementia care: research into practice. Open University Press. McGraw-Hill Publications. Supplementary reading: - Innes A. (2009). Dementia Studies: A Social Science Perspective. Sage Publications . - Wimo, A., Winblad, B., and Jonsson, L. (2010). The worldwide societal costs of dementia: Estimates for 2009. Alzheimer's & Dementia 6(2), 98-103. - Bartlett R. and O'Connor D. (2010). Broadening the dementia debate: towards citizenship. Policy Press. Bristol. - Cadell L. and Claire L. (2010). The impact of dementia on self and identity: a systemic review. Clinical Psychology Review 30(1), 113-126. - Scerri C., Abela S., and Innes A. (2010). Pharmacotherapeutic aspects of dementia care in Malta. Malta Medical Journal 22, 6-12. - Scerri C. (2011). NICE 2011 recommendations on the management of Alzheimer’s disease by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. The Synapse 4, 13-15. - Scerri A., and Scerri C. (2012). Dementia in Malta: new prevalence estimates and projected trends. Malta Medical Journal, 24, 21-24. - Caruana-Pulpan O., and Scerri C. (2014). Practices in diagnosis, disclosure and pharmacotherapeutic management of dementia by general practitioners – a national survey. Aging & Mental Health 18,179-186. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Online Learning | ||||||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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