In 2025, an estimated 433,300 Australians are living with dementia. Without significant intervention, research undertaken by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for Dementia Australia indicates this number is expected to rise to approximately 812,500 by 2054. This alarming projection underscores the critical need for comprehensive dementia education for carers. The University of Tasmania’s Wicking Dementia Centre is at the forefront of this effort, committed to providing free online education to improve the lives of people living with dementia and to ensure their carers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide compassionate and effective care.
As part of Dementia Awareness Week in September 2025, the Wicking Dementia Centre will re-launch its renowned Understanding Dementia MOOC (Massive Open Online Course). This updated course features new information and presentations from national and international dementia experts, making it an invaluable resource for carers and healthcare professionals.
“I am delighted to announce the launch of our newly enhanced Understanding Dementia MOOC,” said Distinguished Professor James Vickers, Director of the Wicking Dementia Centre. “For over a decade, this course has been freely accessible to individuals worldwide, and we remain committed to offering it at no cost.
“One of the significant updates is the availability of our Understanding Dementia and Preventing Dementia MOOCs on demand, 24/7. This ensures that aged care professionals can complete the courses at their convenience, providing greater flexibility and accessibility.
“Our MOOCs are easily accessible from a phone, tablet or computer, with no exams or assignments to worry about. Given the widespread prevalence of dementia in residential aged care homes and our ageing population, understanding dementia education has become essential.”
The Understanding Dementia MOOC has attracted over 422,000 enrolments from around the world, appealing to a diverse range of individuals and highlighting its global impact and the widespread need for dementia education. The course caters to allied health professionals, clinicians, health service providers, aged care workers and health policy professionals, equipping them with the knowledge to effectively support people living with dementia and create more dementia-aware communities. It is also open to general learners interested in brain health and dementia risk reduction or have a personal curiosity or family history of dementia.
The Understanding Dementia MOOC is ranked third by Class Central out of over 11,000 health and medical online courses worldwide and boasts a five-star rating, with glowing reviews. A recent course participant shared, “I recently completed the Understanding Dementia course, and it was incredibly helpful! The content was well-structured, covering essential topics like understanding different types of dementia, effective communication strategies and caregiving techniques. I feel much more confident in my ability to support individuals with dementia and their families. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to expand their understanding and skills in this important area!”
In December 2025, the Preventing Dementia MOOC will also be re-launched. This course explores the latest evidence on dementia prevention, featuring new videos and commentary from leading world experts. It focuses on modifiable risk factors and strategies to reduce the risk of developing dementia, empowering carers with knowledge to support individuals in making lifestyle changes that promote brain health.
Through these innovative MOOCs, the Wicking Dementia Centre is empowering carers with the knowledge and skills they need to provide exceptional care to people living with dementia. As the demand for dementia care continues to grow, the free, online education will play a crucial role in ensuring that carers are well-prepared to meet this challenge. To enrol your staff, please visit the MOOC website.
Wicking Dementia Centre