Knowledge bank

Please note: This module will ultimately include a range of supplementary PDF resources to support learning. These have already been selected and will be incorporated into the final interactive training toolkit.

Introduction to module one: Knowledge bank

Welcome to the Knowledge Bank.

This section brings together a range of resources to help you build your knowledge and confidence when supporting people with dementia.

You will find information about different types of dementia, and how dementia can affect communication. Some resources are included directly, while others are highlighted as useful sources of further information, training and support.

The Knowledge Bank is not intended to be a complete collection of dementia resources. Instead, it provides a selection of examples to help you explore key topics and become familiar with the types of resources available. New resources are produced regularly, and many other useful materials can be found through charities, healthcare organisations and community groups.

The resources are organised into five sections. You can work through them all OR just dip into the topics that are most relevant to your role and learning needs.

1. Understanding dementia

This section provides an introduction to dementia. It includes information about common types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia.

Resources are partly grouped by organisation, including Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia UK and Alzheimer’s Scotland. There are also materials on less common types of dementia and a guide to help you find the resources more easily.

2. Training, reading and media resources

This section brings together training courses, books, podcasts, videos, documentaries and digital resources that can help deepen your understanding of dementia and develop your knowledge and skills.

Topics include dementia awareness, communication, person-centred care, lived experience and supporting people from different backgrounds and communities.

3. Respectful and inclusive language

The words we use matter. They can influence how people living with dementia feel about themselves and how others treat them.

This section explains why respectful and inclusive language is important and provides guidance on language that helps reduce stigma and promotes dignity, respect and inclusion.

4. Across diverse communities

People experience dementia in different ways depending on their life experiences, culture, identity and circumstances.

This section includes resources about dementia in a range of communities, including LGBTQ+ communities, people from different ethnic backgrounds, people living in rural areas, people with learning disabilities, and people with hearing loss or other sensory impairments. The resources highlight both shared experiences and the additional barriers some people may face when accessing support.

5. Resources to support living with dementia

This section contains examples of practical resources to support people to live with dementia. They may be useful resources to share with people as as part of your work, such as information booklets, communication resources and tools to support planning and decision-making.