Essential Website Maintenance – Thursday 9th January 2020

We will be carrying out essential website maintenance in the afternoon which will affect some functionality. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience the work may cause and will do all we can to keep disruption to an absolute minimum.

Dementia and People with Learning Disability


Summary (optional)
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Dates

  • 2025:
    • 10th November
  • 2026:
    • 5th February

Course details

  • Time: 9.30-16.30 (9.15am arrival for tea/coffee and registration)
  • Venue: Coed Pella, Colwyn Bay
  • Trainer: Talking Life
  • Targeted services: Community Wellbeing, Disability Team, Older People Team, Vulnerable People Team, Commissioned Services
  • Target group: Individuals who support people with dementia

Course aims and objectives

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

  • Explain dementia and its impact on individuals with learning disabilities, including early symptoms and progression.
  • Recognize unique challenges in diagnosing and supporting people with both LD and dementia.
  • Implement person-centered strategies to enhance well-being, communication, and daily care.
  • Apply practical tools and interventions such as memory aids, sensory adjustments, and behaviour support techniques.
  • Develop individualized care plans and commit to meaningful actions for improving dementia support.


Session 1: Introduction to Dementia

  • Definition & Types of Dementia – Understanding Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, and how dementia manifests differently in those with learning disabilities.
  • Impact on the Brain & Behaviour – How neurological changes affect memory, reasoning, and daily function.
  • Early vs. Late Symptoms – Recognizing subtle cognitive changes in individuals with LD.
  • Discussion Activity – Staff share personal experiences of dementia in care settings.

Session 2: Dementia & Learning Disabilities – Key Points

  • Why the risk is higher? – Exploring Down’s syndrome and other LD-related factors.
  • Challenges in Diagnosis – Misinterpretation of symptoms and how to differentiate dementia progression.
  • Supporting Emotional Well-being – Managing distress, behavioural changes, and adapting communication.

Session 3: Practical Strategies & Tools

  • Person-Centered Approaches – Tailoring activities and environments to enhance quality of life.
  • Tools for Cognitive Support – Memory aids, visual schedules, sensory interventions.
  • Communication Techniques – Non-verbal strategies, validation therapy, adapting daily interactions.

Session 4: Review & Action Planning

  • Reflection Exercise – Staff discuss key learnings and personal insights.
  • Developing Care Plans – Identifying adjustments for individual support needs.
  • Commitments to Change – Staff set goals for implementing strategies in their workplace.
  • Final Q&A & Feedback – Ensuring all concerns and uncertainties are addressed.
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