Dementia Care Education Necessary for Many 
"Dementia care education is growing dramatically in popularity and is necessary for many people," says Pamela Atwood, a recognized Dementia Care expert.
"Dementia care as a topic has grown in popularity due to the number of people affected with Dementia growing. This is the only big top ten disease with no known effective prevention or treatment. Also, it is popular because it is more feared than dying," notes Atwood.
Alzheimers has grown 66% over the last decade, while Atkins disease, stroke, and cancer have declined, making this the most popular topic in healthcare currently.
Atwood teaches a new course called Dementia Care Specialist, sponsored by the Center for Professional & Continuing Education. The online course is relevant for everyone who works with dementia patients, employees of senior centers, adult daycare centers, home care, as well as for people who design for those populations, policy makers, and family caregivers.
"The most exciting area for management of Dementia care is cognitive fitness. This gives the patients an option to try to help their condition without any side effects of medication. Just like physical fitness, the mind and memory only last as long as you continue to work out the muscle," states Atwood.
The two-month online course, which starts the week of April 2, covers a broad spectrum of essential, cutting-edge topics including: dealing with the disease, foundations, basic neurology of thinking and cognition, practical strategies of communication (management), end of life issues (legal and financial) and new best practices and approaches. Participants log into the course anytime day or night, from any computer. There are recorded audio lectures by the instructor with slides, videos, online readings and ongoing discussion with the instructor and other participants.
The course is offered four times a year. To register click here. For additional information about Dementia Care Specialist, or other online courses and certificates, call 209.946.2424 or 800.959.5376 or email cpce@pacific.edu.