News
Course on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Developed by CADER, in Partnership with Boston Public Health Commission, Proves to be Valuable Resource for Practitioners
A new course on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) has proven to be a success for participants in a recent pilot. Focused on training community health workers (CHWs), aging services providers, and practitioners in similar roles to better support older adults living with the disease, the course was developed by The Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research (CADER) at Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW) and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) revealed promising and powerful outcomes. The course addresses the rising prevalence of dementia nationwide and offers tools and education to the many practitioners who support these individuals.
Developed with CHW Input
At the beginning of the course development process, CADER and BPHC took the following steps to ensure that the perspectives and needs of CHWs and similar practitioners were reflected in the course:
- An advisory board reviewed CADER’s current ADRD course, providing feedback on the content covered and how to make the course more relevant to practitioners.
- A survey was administered to CHWs and similar practitioners to assess existing skills and gaps related to ADRD. The survey received 231 responses.
- CADER conducted key informant interviews with CHWs and similar practitioners to dive more deeply into training needs, preferences, and to better understand their role when working with individuals with ADRD.
Meaningful Impact
The outcomes from a group of CHWs and similar practitioners who piloted the new course show significant improvements in knowledge and confidence:
- 95% of learners agreed or strongly agreed that the course will enable them to provide high-quality care and services to older adults.
- 95% of learners agreed or strongly agreed that the course will enhance their practice skills in the topic area.
- 93% of learners agreed or strongly agreed that the course will help them feel more confident in their job role.
Participants noted they gained confidence in educating patients and community members who are at risk of developing dementia about brain health and reducing dementia risk.
“The content provides essential tools to better educate and support families in our communities dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” One learner said. “Thank you for this resource.”
Based on the pilot feedback, CADER is making updates and will launch the course to the public in Fall 2026.
This initiative is funded through the CDC’s Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act and will help strengthen Boston’s CHW workforce.