ABSTRACT

There is a need for an increasing workforce to provide support and care for people living with dementia, their family, carers and supporters as demographic changes continue to have an impact worldwide. This has implications for improving opportunities for learning about dementia at all educational levels and among a diverse range of practitioners. Historically, there has been a lack of dementia education in most professional programmes, leading to a workforce that has wide experience, but little education in dementia care. There is a lack of research about the availability and quality of learning and teaching about dementia, both in the UK and around the world. It is clear, therefore, that there will be an increasing need for good quality and evidence informed educational programmes. This chapter will examine a range of challenges and contributions education could make to support the current and future health and social care workforce to provide excellent care for people affected by dementia.