Dementia Education Program Newsletter

New video series
Expert Advice to Support Caregivers of People Living with Dementia

The more we seek to understand what's behind the behaviour, the better we can respond with care, patience and dignity.

woman wandering in field

On September 23, 2026 during World Alzheimer’s Month, the McGill University Dementia Education Program launched a new series of seven educational videos designed to help caregivers navigate some of the most challenging aspects of supporting a person living with dementia.

Developed with leading dementia experts and healthcare professionals, the series offers practical guidance, evidence-based strategies, and compassionate advice to help caregivers better understand behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with dementia. Through realistic scenarios performed by actors, viewers will see effective approaches for managing everyday situations while preserving dignity, connection, and quality of life.

The videos aim to reassure caregivers that they are not alone and provide tools to help them respond with confidence, patience, and understanding. The series explores why certain symptoms occur and demonstrates ways to address them using person-centered care approaches.

Video Topics

The seven videos is available in both English and French, and focuses on areas where caregivers most often seek information and support:

  • Agitation and Aggression
  • Bathing and Personal Hygiene
  • Communication
  • Driving
  • Finances
  • Paranoia
  • Wandering

The topics were selected following an environmental scan of caregiver resources available in both English and French and reflect common challenges faced by families caring for people living with dementia.

Supporting Caregivers Through Education

"The purpose of this video series is to help caregivers better understand the signs, symptoms, and progression of dementia; recognize the possible causes of responsive and challenging behaviours; and learn practical ways to respond with empathy, patience, care and respect. By focusing on the individual needs and experiences of the person living with dementia, caregivers can strengthen connections and create more positive day-to-day interactions," explains Claire Webster, Founder of the McGill University Dementia Education Program.


Click here to access the video playlist in English or in French.

* We recommend that you disable automatic subtitles/closed captions in your personal YouTube settings when watching the videos as they have built-in subtitles.


Subject matter experts who were involved in this video series

The videos feature contributions from experts in geriatric medicine, geriatric psychiatry, neurology, occupational therapy, dementia care, and caregiver support from McGill University and from Santé Québec Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal – Universitaire.

smiling man with glasses in suitJosé A. Morais, MD, FRCPC
Academic Lead, Dementia Education Program
Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine
McGill University

smiling man with colorful bowtieSerge Gauthier, MD, FRCPC
Academic Co-Lead, Dementia Education Program
Professor Emeritus, Departments of Neurology & Neurosurgery and Psychiatry
McGill University

smiling woman with blond hair leaning on wallClaire Webster, PAC, CPCA
Founder and Ambassador
Dementia Education Program
McGill University

woman in dark blue top against a gray backgroundIsabelle Gélinas, PhD, OT
Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director
School of Physical and Occupational Therapy
McGill University

woman with long dark hair in a white top and blue blazerMarie-Eve Bolduc, PhD, OT
Associate Professor (Professional)
School of Physical and Occupational Therapy
McGill University

man with beard outside in front of a buildingSimon Ducharme, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Director, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry & Neuropsychiatry
McGill University

woman in a white blouse with long blond hairCarmen Desjardins, BSc(N)
Program Manager, Dementia and Psychiatric Comorbidities Program
Santé Québec Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal – Universitaire

 


Acknowledgements

This video series was made possible through the generous support of the Fernandes Family Foundation.

“The McGill Dementia Education Program offers an exceptional and compassionate service to caregivers, families, and individuals affected by this difficult condition. The dedication behind these videos is evident, and the team should feel proud of the comfort and guidance they bring to so many. The Fernandes Family Foundation is honoured to support this initiative and applauds the team for creating tools that truly make a difference,” expressed Mr. Lester Fernandes, Chair of the Fernandes Family Foundation

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Zero-Huit video production company for their excellent creative work in bringing this series to life.

We would also like to recognize the important work of Diane Weidner, Communications and Community Outreach Officer for the McGill University Dementia Education Program, for her role in overseeing the project management and communications for this video series.

Back to top