Overview

Renew your APS membership or join in the 2026–27 membership year to receive this activity free as part of a CPD package featuring 75+ activities with 160+ hours of learning - valued at over $4,000 for non-members. This activity will be open for enrolment from 5 August 2026 until 31 May 2027. How to join | APS

The APS hosts this activity with the APS Psychology and Ageing Interest Group (PAIG).

Whilst there is no current cure for dementia, evidence indicates that common lifestyle factors can increase risk for developing dementia. These risks have been identified as potential treatment targets that occur predominantly from midlife (from age 45) through older adulthood (>65 years) that can be targeted, in preventative efforts, to reduce the onset of dementia. This activity will provide an overview of the risk factors that have been identified, in addition to the evidence related to how these risk factors can be treated.

Psychologists have specific expertise that can be used to treat the individual risk factors using behavioural therapies. In addition, psychologists have expertise in screening for dementia risk, as well as building and maintaining motivation to make the behaviour changes needed for long term dementia risk reduction.

Given the duration of the workshop, familiarity with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is preferred, but not required.

Level of Learning

Intermediate. This activity is targeted to those who have some previous learning on the topic.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration. Please note that access cannot be extended, and participants should plan to complete the activity within this period.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details

• On-demand webinar recording

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• outline the latest evidence identifying the modifiable risk factors for dementia,

• identify and assess for modifiable risk factors for dementia, and

• deescribe interventions that are likely to work to treat these risk factors. 

Presenter(s)

Professor Viviana Wuthrich

About the presenter(s)

Professor Viviana Wuthrich is a clinical psychologist, Director of the Centre for Ageing, Cognition and Wellbeing at Macquarie University, and currently has an MRFF Emerging Leadership Fellowship.
Her research is focused on understanding and treating anxiety and depression across the lifespan, as well as reducing risk for dementia. She has a particular interest in developing and evaluating psychological interventions. She developed the Ageing Wisely program for treating comorbid anxiety and depression and has demonstrated its efficacy in several large clinical trials.
She has 87 publications, received over $12 million in research funds, and has received the Clinical College Alastair Heron award, APS ECR award, and NSW Young Tall Poppy award.