Sparta, NJ — January 6, 2026 — The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) announced today its Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care curriculum is recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association for successfully completing curriculum review and incorporating its evidence-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations in the following topic areas: Alzheimer’s and dementia, person-centered care, assessment and care planning, activities of daily living, and behaviors and communication.
“High-quality dementia care starts with a well-prepared workforce,” said Patrick Smith, CEO of NCCDP. “We’re honored that the Alzheimer’s Association has recognized our Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care curriculum for aligning with evidence-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations and reinforcing person-centered best practices that strengthen caregiver confidence and improve the lived experience of people living with dementia.”
Providers who train their staff with a training program recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association are also eligible to purchase the essentiALZ certification exam for their staff. The essentiALZ exam is an online individual certification exam that tests for understanding of quality dementia care practices. Professional care workers who pass the exam are certified in essentiALZ for two years.
“The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased that NCCDP is aligning its training program with our Dementia Care Practice Recommendations,” said Maggie Cattell, Associate Director of Care Professional Programs for the Alzheimer’s Association. “By taking this step, NCCDP has demonstrated their commitment to providing evidence-based training with a person-centered focus at its core.”
High-quality dementia care training can lead to improvement in communication between caregivers and people living with dementia, a reduction in dementia-related behaviors and an increase in job satisfaction and staff retention.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers flexible options for providers and individuals to implement quality care. For information on pathways to training and certification, visit alz.org/trainingandcertification.
Recognition from the Alzheimer’s Association is not an endorsement of the organization or the care provided.
About the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP)
The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) is a national organization dedicated to promoting standards of excellence in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease education. NCCDP provides evidence-informed training and certification programs that support professional caregivers, educators, and organizations in delivering person-centered, high-quality dementia care across care settings.
Learn more at nccdp.org.
Media Contact:
Jason Stutz | Director of Operations
jason@nccdp.org | 847-323-3443
