Expert Advice to Support Caregivers of People Living with Dementia - Introduction

On September 23, 2026 during World Alzheimer’s Month, the McGill University Dementia Education Program will launch 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 will be offered in both English and French, and will focus 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.

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.

The videos will be made freely available to the public online via the McGill University YouTube channel and will be posted on this page of the McGill University Dementia Education Program website as of September 23, 2026: https://mcgill.ca/x/5EU

Subject matter experts who were involved in this video series include:

José A. Morais, MD, FRCPC
Academic Lead, Dementia Education Program
Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine
McGill University

Serge Gauthier, MD, FRCPC
Academic Co-Lead, Dementia Education Program
Professor Emeritus, Departments of Neurology & Neurosurgery and Psychiatry
McGill University

Claire Webster, PAC, CPCA
Founder and Ambassador
Dementia Education Program
McGill University

Isabelle Gélinas, PhD, OT
Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director
School of Physical and Occupational Therapy
McGill University

Marie-Eve Bolduc, PhD, OT
Associate Professor (Professional)
School of Physical and Occupational Therapy
McGill University

Simon Ducharme, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Director, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry & Neuropsychiatry
McGill University

Carmen 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.

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