Subtle changes in functional cognition associated with dementia are not always tied to memory loss. These varied and often mild symptoms can still significantly and negatively affect daily participation and functioning, yet they frequently go unnoticed. This is especially true for people under 65, for whom such changes may not be readily attributed to a major neurocognitive disorder, increasing the risk of being dismissed or misdiagnosed. 

Occupational therapists using a functional cognitive approach play a crucial role in identifying subtle changes that can support accurate diagnosis. Occupational Therapists also have an important role to play in providing expert guidance on how to best maintain and enhance everyday abilities in people experiencing cognitive decline. 

This session will introduce Bobby Redman, a dementia advocate, who will share her experiences of the early changes she noticed in her functional cognition. Jacki Wesson will offer an occupational therapy perspective, and together they will demonstrate how collaboration through a functional cognitive approach can support independence and empower people to live well with dementia. 

Key learning objectives for this session are: 

• Develop an awareness of and understand the importance of detecting early changes in functional cognition  

• Learn how to translate early signs of functional cognitive change to inform your clinical approach  

• Develop knowledge in assessment and intervention from a client perspective including how to explain these in user-friendly ways 

• Understand the importance of applying functional cognitive lens to all clients, regardless of diagnostic status, based on client report of their own experience of change in ability 

• Understand the dynamic relationship between clients and therapists and support a partnership approach when addressing functional cognition 

 

By attending this session you will: 

• Gain awareness of subtle functional cognitive changes and why early identification, especially in younger people is essential. 

• Learn how to interpret early functional cognitive changes and translate them into practical, client-centred clinical decisions. 

• Improve your ability to explain functional cognitive assessments and strategies in simple, user-friendly ways that enhance client understanding. 

• Understand how a functional cognitive approach fosters collaborative, empowering relationships that support independence and wellbeing. 

 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? 

Suitable for OTs at any career stage. 

DATE:

Tuesday 3rd March 2026 

TIME:

Presentation Commences: 

1:00pm – 2:30pm | VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS | 

12:30pm – 2:00pm | SA |  

12 noon – 1:30pm | QLD |  

11:30am – 1:00pm | NT |  

10:00am – 11:30am | WA |  

The session will run for approximately 90 minutes. 

 

Please login 10 minutes before the scheduled presentation time  

VENUE

This is a 100% virtual event. You will receive an email with details to access the event one day ahead of the scheduled event date. 

CPD HOURS

Total CPD claimable workshop hours: 1.5 hours 
Please allow 48 hours for your CPD Certificate to be loaded in your CPD Tracker after course completion.

ACCESS

This session will be recorded.  A link to the recording will be provided following the event completion. Attendance at the live event is encouraged.  

Participants will be able to access the course materials online in their OTA account for the event and for a further 12 weeks after the event.  

REGISTRATION FEES & INCLUSIONS

EARLYBIRD – Book on or before 1 February 2026 

OTA Member: $54 

OTA Student/New Graduate Member: $49 

Non-member: $70 

 

STANDARD – Book on or after 2 February 2026 

OTA Member: $60 

OTA Student/New Graduate Member: $54 

Non-Member: $78 

(All pricing is inclusive of GST) 

RSVPS close 11:55pm AEDT on 1 March 2026 

Members must be logged in with username and password in order to register at the member rate. 

Not already an OTA member? Sign up today here to enjoy great savings on CPD courses, events, conferences and unlimited access to local and international research publications, special offers from our partners and more! 

DISCLAIMER 

All information is correct at the time of publication. OTA reserves the right to alter or delete items from the CPD calendar as required, and takes no responsibility for any errors, omissions, and changes.  

All resources including copies of the presentation, along with all supporting documents and links are not for distribution and are the property of the presenter.  

An OTA staff member or representative may be photographing this event for use in OTA publications and/or on OTA social media sites. If you do not wish to be photographed, or have your image published please make this known to the OTA representative at your course or contact OTA on 1300 682 878 or info@otaus.com.au  

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Terms and Conditions including OTA’s refund and cancellation policy are available here  

 

CONTACT US 

Please email info@otaus.com.au or phone 1300 682 878