BUILDING CAPACITY FOR DEMENTIA RISK REDUCTION: THE PREVENTING DEMENTIA MOOC

Abstract

Evidence suggests that reducing population exposure to modifiable risk factors may prevent millions of dementia cases. Increased community education about this potential is needed to enable individuals, health professionals and policy makers to adopt dementia risk reduction strategies. The Preventing Dementia Massive Open Online Course (PD-MOOC) was developed by the University of Tasmania's Wicking Centre as a public health initiative. The course aims to educate people with an interest in reducing their own risk of dementia, as well as those involved in providing services to others at risk, on the scientific basis of dementia risk reduction. The five-week PD-MOOC explores key modifiable risk factors, including those estimated to account for almost one-third of Alzheimer's disease cases: diabetes, hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, depression, smoking and low educational attainment. It also addresses the non-modifiable risk factors for dementia, myths about dementia risk and causes, and barriers and enablers of health-behaviour change. Information is presented using interviews with international experts, animated video material, infographics, and interactive discussion boards. Completion of the PD-MOOC was defined as a passing grade of 70% on 3 quizzes. Participants provided demographic information at enrolment and completed a feedback survey on completion. The first offering of the PD-MOOC attracted 11,286 international participants (89% female; M age = 49 years; 75% with post-school education; 68% Australian residents). 49% completed the MOOC and 2,149 completed the feedback survey. Most participants (>90%) agreed that the MOOC was easy to understand, provided useful information, and increased their motivation to reduce dementia risk, and that the content, quizzes and discussions helped their learning. 83% agreed the MOOC had an impact on their behaviour and lifestyle choices. The large enrolment and high completion rate for this first PD-MOOC highlight the scale of unmet need for quality, evidence-based and in-depth dementia risk reduction education. Participant feedback supports the appropriateness of this MOOC to increase knowledge and motivation, and its potential ability to modify dementia risk. Whether completion of the PD-MOOC is associated with prolonged engagement in activities associated with lower dementia risk will be explored in future research.