The NEW Updated Understanding Dementia
MOOC (Massive Online Open Course)

Caring for someone living with dementia—whether you’re a family member, a nurse, an aged care support worker, or a medical professional—is a journey filled with challenges, learning, and moments of deep connection. Understanding what dementia is, how it affects the brain, and how best to support someone living with it can make a profound difference in the quality of care and the quality of life for everyone involved.  

That’s why the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), developed by The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre at the University of Tasmania, has become the leading go-to resource for anyone wanting to better understand dementia. 

This September marks 12 years since the launch of the Understanding Dementia MOOC—and to celebrate, a newly updated version is being released. Packed with fresh insights and practical tools, it’s now more relevant, engaging, and useful than ever. 

Whether you’re new to dementia care or have walked this path for years, this free online course offers insights that can help you feel more confident, informed, and supported.
 

What Is the Understanding Dementia MOOC?

The Understanding Dementia MOOC is a free, flexible, online course designed to help people better understand dementia and how to care for those living with it. It is structured around four key themes: 

• Learn how dementia affects the brain and why it leads to changes in memory, thinking, and behaviour. 

• Explore the different types of dementia, their causes, and the latest approaches to diagnosis and treatment. 

• Discover how to support someone living with dementia in a way that respects their dignity, identity, and emotional wellbeing. 

• Living well with dementia. 

The course is designed for: 

• Person living with dementia – people that have been diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder. 

• Family carers - supporting a loved one living with dementia. 

• Aged care workers - in residential or community settings.
  
  
• Health care professionals – such as Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Dentists and medical staff in hospitals and clinics. 
  
  
• First Responders – such as police officers, paramedics, and emergency workers. 
  
  
• Anyone - who wants to understand dementia better. 
  
   

What’s New in the 2025 Update?

The latest version of the Understanding Dementia MOOC includes new and updated content that reflects the most recent research and best practices in dementia care. 

These updates make the course more engaging and practical—whether you’re living with dementia, caring for a parent or a loved one, working in a dementia unit, or supporting patients in a clinical setting.

Why You Should Enrol—Even If You’ve Never Done It Before

1. It’s Free and Easy to Access 

You don’t need any qualifications to enrol, and there’s no cost. You can start anytime, take breaks when needed, and complete it at your own pace—perfect for busy carers and professionals. 

2. It Helps You Understand What’s Happening 

Dementia can be confusing and overwhelming. This course helps you make sense of the changes you’re seeing in your loved one or a person living with dementia and gives you tools to respond with empathy and confidence. 

3. It Offers Practical Tips You Can Use Right Away 

The MOOC is full of advice that’s grounded in real-world experience. 

4. It’s Trusted Worldwide 

Over 750,000 people around the world have enrolled in one of the Wicking Dementia Centre’s MOOCs and they are recognised globally by health and aged care organisations. On successful completion of a MOOC you can obtain a certificate that can use for professional development. 

Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) proudly supports the Wicking Dementia Centre and its ‘Understanding Dementia’ MOOC, helping to advance global awareness, education, and understanding of dementia through accessible, evidence-based learning.
 

Why You Should Do It Again—Even If You’ve Done It Before

If you’ve completed the MOOC in the past, you might wonder if it’s worth revisiting. The answer is absolutely yes—and here’s why: 

1. Dementia Care Is Always Changing 

New research and care approaches are emerging all the time. The 2025 update includes the latest thinking on how to support people living with dementia more effectively. 

2. You’ll See Things Differently 

Whether you’re caring for someone new or facing new challenges, revisiting the course can help you reflect, refresh your skills, and gain new insights. 

3. There’s New Content to Explore 

The updated course includes new interviews, and interactive features—making it a whole new learning experience. 

4. It Reinforces What You Already Know 

Sometimes hearing something again helps it sink in. Completing the 2025 version of the Understanding Dementia MOOC is a great way to reinforce best practices and remind yourself of the importance of person-centred care. 

How the MOOC Supports Families and Care Teams

The Understanding Dementia MOOC isn’t just for individuals—it’s a powerful tool for families and care teams. Many aged care facilities and health services use it to: 

• Train staff consistently 

• Support family carers with education and resources 

• Encourage team discussions about care strategies 

• Meet compliance standards 

Some families even do the course together, helping everyone understand what their loved one is going through and how to support them with compassion. 

What People Are Saying

“I’m caring for my mum at home, and this course helped me understand why she behaves the way she does. It gave me tools to stay calm and connect with her.” 
— Family Carer, Tasmania 

“We use the MOOC as part of our staff training. It’s made a huge difference in how our team communicates and supports residents.” 
— Aged Care Manager, Victoria 

How to Enrol

Getting started is simple: 

1. Visit the Wicking Dementia Centre website 

2. Create a free account or log in 

3. Click “Enrol in Course” 

4. Begin learning at your own pace 

Once you complete the modules, activities and quizzes, you’ll receive a free certificate. There’s also an option to purchase an enhanced certificate for professional development records.
 

Final Thoughts: Knowledge That Empowers

Whether you’re recently diagnosed with dementia, caring for a loved one at home or supporting residents in a professional setting, understanding dementia is key to providing compassionate, effective care. The Understanding Dementia MOOC gives you the knowledge, confidence, and tools to make a real difference. 

And with the 2025 updates, there’s never been a better time to enrol—or re-enrol. 

Because when we understand dementia better, we care better and live well with dementia.