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Dementia Certification Course

This certification course draws on the comprehensive content of the International Diploma in Older Adults’ Mental Health. It will be delivered in a flexible webinar and self-directed learning format, similar to the Public Mental Health Leadership Certification Course.

We plan to run multiple cohorts in 2026. Further details will be available soon. 

Are you looking to deepen your expertise in dementia care and diagnosis? Register your interest now for our upcoming Dementia Certification Course, designed to equip mental health professionals with the latest evidence-based knowledge and practical skills in dementia prevention, assessment, and management.

The course covers a wide range of topics including:

  • Understanding Dementia: Public Health and Prevention

    Explore the epidemiology of dementia, its significance in public health, and evidence-based strategies for prevention.

  • Barriers to Diagnosis and Why It Matters

    Identify common obstacles to timely diagnosis and understand the critical role diagnosis plays in care and outcomes.

  • Recognising Dementia Subtypes with Confidence

    Gain skills in assessing and diagnosing specific types of dementia, enhancing clinical accuracy and patient support.

  • Differentiating Dementia from Other Conditions

    Learn to distinguish dementia from temporary cognitive impairments like delirium and from functional mental disorders such as depression.

  • Post-Diagnostic Management: A Biopsychosocial Approach

    Consolidate your knowledge of holistic care models that address biological, psychological, and social needs after diagnosis.

  • Understanding Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms (BPSD)

    Assess BPSD using structured tools like the Newcastle model to interpret and respond to challenging behaviours.

  • Managing Dementia in Older Adults

    Develop practical strategies for managing dementia, including appropriate use of medication and non-pharmacological interventions.

  • Cognitive Stimulation and End-of-Life Planning

    Understand the role of cognitive stimulation therapy in early stages and the importance of end-of-life planning and care in the later stages.

  • The Carer’s Experience: Burden & Support

    Reflect on the emotional and physical impact of caregiving and explore ways to support carers effectively.

Similar to the international diploma, the Dementia Certification Course is targeted at doctors outside of the UK, to support ongoing training in sub-specialty areas in countries where psychiatric training is focused on working age adults, including:

  • psychiatrists
  • other doctors with significant experience of working in the field of mental health (e.g. family practitioners).

We recommend contacting the RCPsych prior to applying to discuss the expected level of knowledge.

Applicants will be expected to be confident in writing, reading, listening and speaking in English with a recommended English language proficiency equivalent to .

This interactive programme will be delivered fully online through a model which blends self-directed learning with tutor-led group learning including:

  • eLearning modules
  • discussion forums
  • live webinars so learners can interact with experts in the field
  • interactive case-based learning
  • formative exercises and assignments including written reflections encouraging participants to engage critically and apply the learning to their experience and practice in their own healthcare systems
  • access to an extensive online library.

Early-stage dementia module

  • “Very useful - most relevant to updating my clinical practice / huge topic covered very well in concise and curated resources and eLearning.”
  • “Very thoughtful and informative sessions.”
  • “The content and presenters of this module were excellent.”
  • “Excellent content, very relevant and easily accessed.”
  • “Very good presentation on classification of different types of dementia.”

Late-stage dementia and non-pharmacological approaches to management module

  • “Well-structured and thorough module, the case scenarios were wonderful.”
  • “It was very informative and helpful in terms of practical applications in reality.”
  • “Great self-study resources.”
  • “I find the recorded interviews the most helpful aspect and have rewatched some of them as they were so insightful.”
  • “The lectures on assessment of dementia were excellent.”
  • “I am more confident in managing older adults and dementia patients.“
Further details of the course will be announced soon. Please contact samuel.smith@rcpsych.ac.uk to join the waiting list for the 2026 cohorts.