Dementia

Keep up-to-date with the latest in dementia care, brought to you by Nursing Standard, Nursing Older People and Learning Disability Practice.

The series seeks to tackle a wide range of issues relating to the care of people with dementia. Central to the series is the recognition that nursing makes a huge contribution to good outcomes for families affected by this increasingly common condition.

Articles will be published every two weeks in Nursing Standard, starting from May 13th 2015 and running for almost a year. Bookmark this page as we continue to add links to useful resources and articles.

Peer-reviewed clinical articles

Personal qualities necessary to care for people with dementia
Carers of people with dementia should embrace the philosophy of person-centred care and understand that social and psychological aspects of care are as important as physical care. This article discusses a three-component model that identifies the personal qualities that carers should ideally possess to deliver person-centred care to people with dementia. These qualities are empathy with the person, person-centred attitudes and a compassionate approach. The intention is that these will induce a state of cognitive security in people with dementia and enhance their sense of wellbeing. The article defines each of the personal qualities and details their component parts. It explores why person-centred care can often be difficult to achieve in practice, as well as the role of education in its promotion.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 11 May 2016
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Genetic education in dementia care
Healthcare staff should consider the concerns expressed by people with dementia and their families. Knowledge of the risk factors for dementia and risk-reduction strategies can improve the care nurses provide. This should include an increased awareness of the complex interaction between genes, environment and lifestyle.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 13 April 2016
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Interaction between community pharmacists and community nurses in dementia care
There has been little research that explores the interaction between community pharmacists and community nurses and how this interaction could benefit people affected by dementia. Using information taken from a larger study, this article presents the views of community pharmacists and one community nurse on how their communication, information sharing and team integration may improve care for this patient group.
Nursing Older People.  Published in print: 31 March 2016
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Applying comprehensive geriatric assessment to investigate falls
This is the second article in a short series that presents case study examples of the use of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in different clinical settings. CGA is a holistic assessment model designed to determine frail older people’s medical and mental health status, as well as functional, social and environmental issues. When applied by nurses, it can enable individualised planning for health, safety and wellbeing.
Nursing Older People.  Published in print: 31 March 2016
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Transcultural nursing strategies for carers of people with dementia
Caring for a family member with dementia is stressful, and carers from all backgrounds often feel overwhelmed and under-supported. Professional and family carers’ perceptions of the challenges and satisfactions of caring are influenced by culturally derived expectations. However, experiences of caring often differ from stereotypical norms.
Nursing Older People.  Published in print: 31 March 2016
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Supported decision making: the rights of people with dementia
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 is used to assess a person’s decision-making ability and to make a best interests decision where the individual lacks the capacity to do so. The act was considered to have the potential to maximise the autonomy of individuals with mental or cognitive impairments, but this has not been fully realised. Since the act came into force, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has challenged many of the principles underpinning the act. That challenge and how existing provisions in the act can be implemented to increase autonomy and control for people with cognitive or mental impairments are discussed. The principles of the convention are described and potential future amendments to the law are identified.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 23 March 2016
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Using risk management to promote person-centred dementia care
Risk management for people with dementia has traditionally focused on preventing physical harm. However, research has demonstrated that focusing on the physical safety of people with dementia may result in their social and psychological wellbeing being overlooked – the very aspects that are necessary to achieve person-centred care. This article discusses the main challenges for practitioners caring for people with dementia in various settings, and encourages a care approach which enables appropriate risk taking as a way of promoting person-centred care.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 9 March 2016
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Managing verbal agitation in people with dementia and delirium
Patients with dementia and delirium in acute hospitals can exhibit verbal agitation, but there is no research on rate of occurrence or how ward staff manage such behaviour. This service evaluation aimed to measure rate of occurrence of verbal agitation in confused older inpatients and understand the management strategies used by staff.
Nursing Older People.  Published in print: 26 February 2016
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The importance of spirituality for people living with dementia
Spiritual care is an essential aspect of caring for people with dementia. It can improve their quality of life and give them the strength to cope with living with their condition. However, spirituality is a poorly understood concept and healthcare practitioners often lack confidence in assessing and meeting spiritual needs. Therefore, the spiritual needs of people with dementia are often overlooked, which can result in spiritual distress. This article provides an overview of spirituality and spiritual needs. It discusses the potential causes of spiritual distress in people with dementia and provides examples of spiritual care strategies.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 17 February 2016
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Palliative and end of life care for people with dementia
Dementia is a life-limiting condition that is largely a disease of ageing. However, older people in general, and older people with dementia in particular, have not always had equal access to effective palliative and end of life care. As a result, people with dementia at the end of life often receive aggressive and burdensome interventions, or inadequate assessment and management of their symptoms. Patterns in how people with dementia experience and present symptoms as they near the end of life can indicate when the goals of care should change and a palliative approach should be adopted.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 3 February 2016
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Arts-based and creative approaches to dementia care
This article presents a review of arts-based and creative approaches to dementia care as an alternative to antipsychotic medications. While use of antipsychotics may be appropriate for some people, the literature highlights the success of creative approaches and the benefits of their lack of negative side effects associated with antipsychotics. The focus is the use of biographical approaches, music, dance and movement to improve wellbeing, enhance social networks, support inclusive practice and enable participation. Staff must be trained to use these approaches. A case study is presented to demonstrate how creative approaches can be implemented in practice and the outcomes that can be expected when used appropriately.
Nursing Older People.  Published in print: 28 January 2016
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Assessments for dementia in people with learning disabilities
A learning disabilities’ dementia battery was developed to assess cognitive abilities in individuals referred to the learning disabilities service because of concerns of possible dementia. The present study aimed to establish concurrent validity with previously validated measures of cognitive ability and its clinical effectiveness in detecting dementia in this population.
Learning Disability Practice.  Published in print: 26 January 2016
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Horticultural therapy in dementia care: a literature review
To present a narrative review of the empirical literature on the use of horticultural therapy in dementia care.  Horticultural therapy can be beneficial. At a macro-level, it is an inexpensive therapy that does not require specialist training to deliver. At a micro-level, it enhances the wellbeing of people living with dementia. Recommendations are made to promote access to appropriate horticultural therapy for people living with dementia, and for further research in this area.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 20 January 2016
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Implementing culture change in long-term dementia care settings
The approach to nursing in long-term care settings for people living with dementia continues to evolve from a traditional, task-oriented culture to one that is person-centred. Such change can be difficult to manage and may encounter considerable opposition; having an understanding of change management and leadership styles may help to make this transition easier. This article discusses the differences between task-oriented and person-centred care, theories of management, motivation and leadership styles, and focuses on those that are most appropriate for this type of change. An improved understanding of these theories will enable nurses to support others in the delivery of person-centred care.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 6 January 2016
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Enabling sexual expression in people with dementia
Dementia remains a significant health and social care concern in the UK. Cases of dementia are expected to increase exponentially because more people are living longer. In response, the government has issued a set of policies and guidance to better meet the needs of those living with dementia. However, one important relational aspect is notably absent from most policy documents: sexuality. This can be a complicated issue in relationships affected by dementia. This article analyses the literature and uses case studies to provide practical guidance to nurses in relation to sexual expression in people with dementia.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 9 December 2015
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Enabling hospital staff to care for people with dementia
This is the fourth and final article in a short series that presents case study examples of the positive work achieved by trusts who participated in the Royal College of Nursing’s development programme to improve dementia care in acute hospitals.  Dementia training in hospitals is often inadequate and staff do not always have sufficient knowledge of dementia to provide appropriate care. It can also be difficult for them to identify when patients with dementia are in pain, especially when their communication skills deteriorate. The case studies presented illustrate how two NHS trusts have worked to ensure that their staff are fully equipped to care for people with dementia in hospital.
Nursing Older People.  Published in print: 26 November 2015
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Non-pharmacological approaches to alleviate distress in dementia care
Distress is one of the most common clinical manifestations associated with dementia. Pharmacological intervention may be appropriate in managing distress in some people. However, best practice guidelines advocate non-pharmacological interventions as the preferred first-line treatment. The use of non-pharmacological interventions encourages healthcare professionals to be more person-centred in their approach, while considering the causes of distress. This article provides healthcare professionals with an overview of some of the non-pharmacological approaches that can assist in alleviating distress for people living with dementia including: reminiscence therapy, reality orientation, validation therapy, music therapy, horticultural therapy, doll therapy and pet therapy. It provides a summary of their use in clinical practice and links to the relevant literature.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 25 November 2015
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Person-centred communication in dementia care
Communication involves the exchange of information between at least two people, a giver and a receiver. If left unaddressed, communication difficulties may have a profound effect on quality of life and quality of care. Poor communication may result in high levels of anxiety and depression for the person living with dementia. Communication breakdown contributes to high rates of depression in spouses of people living with dementia and is a major problem for family and carers. Positive and supportive communication is essential to ensure good quality dementia care. A person-centred approach focuses on supporting a person to use and retain their skills and abilities. Person-centred communication involves a commitment to including the perspective of the person living with dementia, and an understanding of who the person is, their life history and preferences.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 11 November 2015
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Improving the hospital environment for people with dementia
This article is the third in a series presenting examples of the positive work achieved by trusts who participated in the Royal College of Nursing’s development programme to improve dementia care in acute hospitals.  The hospital environment is often disorientating for people with dementia and can be particularly distressing when a patient is admitted in an emergency. Subsequent ward moves can also be disruptive and confusing, especially if they take place out of hours. Two NHS trusts aimed to improve the experience for patients with dementia by addressing the physical environment along with practical aspects of care provision at different stages in the hospital journey.
Nursing Older People.  Published in print: 29 October 2015
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Dementia Friends sessions for nursing students
All health and social care students must learn about dementia in the curriculum. This article explains how Dementia Friends sessions, which aim to raise awareness about dementia, were delivered in the students’ induction at one university. The objective was for all new students to understand some important facts about dementia, thus addressing any misconceptions at an early stage and establishing a foundation for further learning. The sessions were evaluated through an analysis of written comments, which indicated that nursing students enjoyed the sessions and had learnt the five facts about dementia.
Nursing Older People.  Published in print: 29 October 2015
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Pain management: a fundamental component of dementia care
Pain is a multifaceted experience with physical, psychological, social and spiritual components. Dementia, which is often accompanied by impaired communication, complicates the assessment and treatment of pain. Although older people with dementia share the same age-related pathology as other older people, they do not experience the same access to pain relief as their cognitively-unimpaired counterparts. Tools have been developed to enhance self-reporting of pain by people with dementia and the objective observation of non-verbal signs of pain.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 28 October 2015
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Person-centred care for people with dementia: Kitwood reconsidered
There is a plethora of literature on person-centred care and its importance in health care. The principles of person-centred care are especially important for people living with dementia because of the clinical manifestations of the disease. This article intends to provide nurses with an overview of the work of Tom Kitwood and how it pertains to providing best practice in dementia care. Various person-centred theories have been developed. However, Kitwood’s work is by far the most widely referred to in dementia care. An understanding of Kitwood’s ideas, in particular those of malignant social psychology and positive person work, enables nurses to develop competence in delivering optimum person-centred care to people with dementia in clinical practice.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 14 October 2015
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The PEARL programme: caring for adults living with dementia
Caring for people living with dementia in care homes requires training in best dementia care practice and person-centred care. This article describes the main interventions and processes that have been adopted by Four Seasons Health Care, an independent provider of residential care homes and care homes with nursing in the UK, to develop its homes into centres of excellence for dementia care. It provides an overview of the PEARL (Positively Enriching And enhancing Residents Lives) programme, which has been found to reduce antipsychotic medication use, depression scores and pain, and improve patient wellbeing.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 30 September 2015
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Improving activity and engagement for patients with dementia
This is the second in a short series that presents case study examples of the positive work achieved by trusts that participated in the Royal College of Nursing’s development programme to improve dementia care in acute hospitals. Staff often think that there is insufficient time to get to know patients and carers, especially with large and challenging workloads. Combined with a lack of activities and stimulation for patients with dementia in hospital, this can result in poor engagement and a disconnect between staff and patients. To improve these relationships and give staff more time with patients, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has introduced bay nursing for patients with dementia, where one nurse is responsible for monitoring a bay alongside a healthcare assistant for an entire shift. Part of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Glan Clwyd Hospital in north Wales has focused on improving stimulation by creating an activity room with a specially trained activity worker, providing a relaxed and friendly setting where patients with dementia can take part in a range of activities and have lunch together.
Nursing Older People.  Published in print: 24 September 2015
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Dementia and the person-centred care approach
Approaches to care that focus solely on biomedical needs are still rife in dementia; however, a person-centred approach is emerging that focuses on ‘seeing the person’. This article explores the literature on person-centred dementia care to determine if it is an ideal rather than a reality. The background to the development of person-centred care is presented with reference to policies in place in the UK. Using the setting of long-term care, the journey of people with dementia is explored at diagnosis, living well and end of life.
Nursing Older People.  Published in print: 24 September 2015
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The complexity of pain assessment in older people
Pain is common in older people and its assessment is an important part of the nurse’s role. Asking people about their pain is considered the most accurate and reliable assessment because of the subjective nature of pain. A number of simple and easy-to-administer self-rating scales are available to measure pain intensity. To rate their pain, however, people need to understand the request, as well as recall and interpret the painful signal. Observing specific behaviours associated with pain is advocated when communication and cognitive function are impaired, for example, in people with advanced dementia. A number of pain assessment tools have been developed that involve observation of some or all of the behaviours. The aim of this article is to highlight the importance of pain assessment, discuss the various pain assessment scales and tools available and identify some of the factors that can make comprehensive assessment of pain in older people and those with cognitive impairment complex.
Nursing Older People.  Published in print: 24 September 2015
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Understanding the needs of people with dementia and family carers
When a person with dementia is in hospital, poor understanding of individual needs and preferences can contribute to a lack of person-centred care. Similarly, the needs of family carers can often be overlooked and staff do not always appreciate these needs at such a stressful time. This article illustrates how three NHS trusts have addressed these issues. To help staff get to know patients with dementia, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust has implemented a patient passport. Similarly, The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has implemented a carer passport that overcomes the restrictions imposed by hospital visiting hours. Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust also focused on carers, holding a workshop to elicit feedback on what was important to them. This was a useful means of engaging with carers and helped staff to realise that even simple changes can have a significant effect.
Nursing Older People.  Published in print: 27 August 2015
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Transforming dementia care in acute hospitals
This article provides an overview of current developments to support improvements in dementia care in acute general hospital settings. It considers the urgent need for improvement along with the effectiveness of current approaches in achieving change and delivering person-centred care. The process and outcomes of a development programme carried out by the Royal College of Nursing and evaluated by the University of Worcester are described. This programme supported clinical nurse leaders in developing dementia care in nine acute general hospitals by use of an action learning approach. Recommendations are made for a more systematic approach to developing practice that considers the context and culture of acute hospital care for people with dementia. The need for investment in clinical leaders and dementia specialists who can assist improvements and support change is emphasised.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 16 September 2015
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Evaluating the VERA framework for communication
This article describes an evaluation of the use of the VERA (validation, emotion, reassurance, activity) framework for communication in a practice development unit at North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. Staff of two older-adult inpatient wards in the Crystal Centre received training on the VERA framework and applied it to their practice. They found the VERA framework to be practical and user friendly, and to result in compassionate communication. Staff found that focusing on meaningful, creative interactions with service users and making a connection with these individuals is important.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 9 September 2015
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Multimorbidity and frailty in people with dementia
Many people with dementia have other complex health needs, including comorbidity and frailty. Most models of care focus on single diseases and do not take into account the needs of those with comorbidities and dementia. Integration, continuity of care and personalisation are particularly important for this vulnerable group. It is also important to recognise potential barriers to accessing care so that these can be addressed. Issues around providing health care for people with dementia and complex health needs are considered in this article, including management and organisation of care, access to care, models of care, role of the family carer, and prevention of dementia, frailty and long-term conditions.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 2 September 2015
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Advance care planning in dementia
Advance care planning is the basis for delivering person-centred end of life care that accords with the wishes of the individual. It is important to support people with dementia in developing an advance care plan, since they may lose the capacity to make decisions associated with this early in the disease process. Healthcare policy indicates that we should all consider our wishes for end of life care. However, this may not be straightforward for people with dementia. This article considers the main issues in enabling advance care planning with people with dementia, reviews the limited evidence and offers possible solutions.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 19 August 2015
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Ethical issues in caring for patients with dementia
This article discusses issues that might count as ‘ethical’ in the care of people with dementia and some of the dilemmas that occur. Ethical theories, such as virtue ethics, deontology and consequentialism are discussed, and ethical approaches that can be useful are outlined. Thinking about matters case-by-case is another approach, one that forms the first component of the Nuffield Council’s ethical framework for dementia care, which is described. Case examples are provided, raising issues of autonomy, diagnosis, restraint and withholding treatment. The notion of personhood and the need to understand the person with dementia as broadly as possible are emphasised. Recommendations for nursing practice are included.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 5 August 2015
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Diagnosis and support for younger people with dementia
There is a lack of recognition by staff working in healthcare and social services that people under the age of 65 can develop dementia, according to families affected by early onset of the condition. This results in a substantial delay in referral and diagnosis, which can lead to significant family and relationship difficulties. There is also a lack of specialist advice and support after a diagnosis of young-onset dementia, which adds to feelings of distress and isolation for both the person and their family. This article, which is part of a series on dementia, explores the epidemiology of young-onset dementia as well as the assessment, diagnosis and support for younger people living with dementia. It emphasises the need for specialist services and outlines the nurse’s role in supporting families living with the effects of young-onset dementia.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 22 July 2015
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Medical treatment and management of patients with dementia
This article, the fifth in a series on dementia, discusses the principles of management and treatment of people with dementia. It describes how to proceed after a diagnosis of dementia has been made in the early stages of the condition, and general measures to maintain physical and mental health. Drug therapy for cognitive dysfunction is explained in the context of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance, and strategies for managing depression and psychotic symptoms are outlined. Non-pharmacological approaches are often effective. For behavioural problems such as agitation and aggression, it is important to try to understand any underlying factors. In general, the most important strategy is to avoid excessive prescribing.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 8 July 2015
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Introduction to the transforming dementia care in hospitals series
A short series of articles in Nursing Older People, starting in September, presents case study examples of the positive work achieved by trusts that participated in the RCN’s development programme to improve dementia care in acute hospitals. This introductory article reports on the independent evaluation of the programme. The programme included a launch event, development days, site visits, ongoing support by the RCN lead and carer representatives and a conference to showcase service improvements. The evaluation drew on data from a survey, the site visits, trust action plans and a range of self-assessment tools for dementia care. The findings highlight substantial progress towards programme objectives and learning outcomes and suggest that the programme provided the focus, impetus and structure for trusts to make sustainable changes. It also equipped participants with the strategies and confidence to change practice. Recommendations are made for taking the programme forward.
Nursing Older People.  Published in print: 25 June 2015
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Diagnosis of dementia
There are two stages to making a diagnosis of dementia: establishing the presence of a dementia syndrome and determining the likely cause. Dementia should be distinguished from mild cognitive impairment, in which any cognitive and functional changes are less marked. Diagnosis of dementia is essentially clinical but investigations are helpful in excluding other disorders and in determining the underlying cause of the condition. International diagnostic criteria exist for the most common causes of dementia and these are useful for clinical and research purposes. At and following diagnosis, patients and their families require information, support and guidance about the future.
Nursing Standard.  Published in print: 24 June 2015
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Signs and symptoms of dementia
The clinical features of dementia are usually considered in two groups: cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms. Among cognitive symptoms, problems with memory are typical of most forms of dementia, but problems with language and executive functioning are also prevalent. Non-cognitive symptoms is a somewhat unsatisfactory general term for a group of problems that include mood disorders, psychotic symptoms and various other changes in behaviour. In assessment and management, it is important to look for underlying causes of symptoms and try to understand the perspective of the individual with dementia, because their behaviour may be communicating an important message.
Nursing Standard. Published in print: 10 June 2015
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Inclusion of carers when confused relatives are admitted to hospital
Jeanette Barber describes what information staff can elicit from those who know the patient best and how it can be applied in practice.  It is well recognised that many older people have dementia but have never been investigated or received a formal diagnosis. If they are admitted to acute hospitals from their own homes or long-term care settings with confusion and little background information about their usual condition, it can be challenging for staff to determine if they have dementia, delirium, delirium superimposed on pre-existing dementia or confusion with a reversible cause such as vitamin deficiency. A careful history and information seeking from carers or family members about their loved one’s pre-admission baseline can inform nursing and medical assessments and help nurses to provide high quality care.
Nursing Older People. Published in print: 28 May 2015.
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Nutritional habits and cognitive performance of older adults
Healthy nutritional habits, including drinking plenty of water and maintaining hydration, are fundamental components for sustaining life, health and wellbeing. Evidence has suggested that certain dietary patterns and lifestyles could help delay the ageing process and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This article explores the potential association between nutritional habits and the cognitive performance of older adults and identifies research gaps that could be filled by future studies on healthy ageing.
Nursing Management. Published in print: 27 May 2015.
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Improving surgical outcomes for people with dementia
This article sets out a suggested pathway for the care of dementia patients. It discusses recognition and assessment of dementia and delirium, issues of capacity and consent, interventions required for optimum care of older people with dementia and peri-operative management. It explores the role of family and friends in achieving integrated care.
Nursing Standard. Published in print: 20 May 2015
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Dementia: definitions and types
This article is the first in a series of articles on dementia and is intended as an introduction to the condition, discussing how it is defined and the different types of disease.
Nursing Standard. Published in print: 13 May 2015
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Improving communication when caring for acutely ill patients with dementia
This article explains how person-centred care and multiprofessional training can help staff identify if an individual’s health is deteriorating
Nursing Older People. Published in print: 30 April 2015
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Nurse-led older adult mental health clinics in rural GP practices
This article describes how collaborative working between a community psychiatric nurse and staff in general practice resulted in the delivery of an improved clinical service.
Mental Health Practice. Published in print: 10 March 2015
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The use of music and singing to help manage anxiety in older adults
This article reviews the growing evidence base for these relaxing and sociable activities as therapeutic nursing interventions in this patient group.
Mental Health Practice. Published in print: 13 February 2014
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Computer-assisted reminiscence therapy: developing practice
This article describes a pilot project that uses new technology to help unlock the memories of people with dementia
Mental Health Practice. Published in print: 01 December 2013
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Challenges in delivering effective palliative care to people with dementia
This article explores the literature to discover whether patients with dementia receive appropriate and effective end of life care
Mental Health Practice. Published in print: 06 December 2012
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How cognitive behaviour therapy can alleviate older people’s grief
This article discusses the challenges that affect people who are bereaved in later life, and how they can be helped to adapt to their new situation
Mental Health Practice. Published in print: 07 March 2012
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Opinion

Living well with dementia
Retired nurse Kate Swaffer is living with dementia. She explains why it is so important not to give up your pre-diagnosis life and to live well with dementia for as long as possible.
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The importance of person-centred practice in dementia care
Nursing Standard Award winner and dementia care staff nurse Shauna Rooney explains her focus on individuals' quality of life.
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Influencing dementia care policy
It is everyone's responsibility to better understand dementia so those with the condition can have more fulfilling lives.
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The importance of education in dementia care
Being a dementia carer trainer can be both rewarding and frustrating in any one day. The purpose of educating staff is to ensure that they are competent and confident in providing care that is person-centred and can see beyond the dementia diagnosis.
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Overcoming stigma should be at the centre of dementia care
When I qualified as nurse in 1997, I had no idea of what it meant to live well with dementia, or of the effect that negative language has on the stigmatisation of the disease.
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Rising to the dementia challenge
Tom Dening, professor of dementia research at the University of Nottingham, on ways to support patients and their families
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Introduction to the dementia series
A new series of articles in Nursing Standard aims to help nurses understand the multifaceted nature of dementia. This introduction outlines the scope of the series, which will discuss and explore the signs and symptoms of dementia, its diagnosis, the evidence base for various interventions, palliative and end of life care and how nurses can relate this knowledge to clinical practice.
Nursing Standard. Published in print: 13 May 2015
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News

Guidance published on assessing patients with dementia for NHS continuing healthcare
Guidance for healthcare professionals carrying out assessments of people with dementia for NHS continuing healthcare – a free package of care covering nursing and personal needs – has been published by the Alzheimer’s Society.
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Obese people are less likely to develop dementia, finds study
Middle-aged and older people who are underweight are one third more likely to develop dementia than those of a similar age with a healthy body mass index (BMI), according to the results of a UK study.
Nursing Older People. Published in print: 30 April 2015
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Book review

Excellence in Dementia Care: Research into Practice
The first edition of this book was published in 2008 and was well received. The same editors have produced a second edition, with the same self-explanatory title. The first edition was a set text on at least one MSc in dementia programme, giving an indication of its academic level and target readership. The new version has been reorganised and has added chapters on topics that are acquiring prominence, such as dementia-friendly communities, physical design and young-onset dementia.
Nursing Older People. Published in print: 26 March 2015
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Journal scan

Importance of micronutrients in slowing progression of dementia
There is mounting evidence that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a continuous spectrum between asymptomatic lesions in cognitively normal older adults and dementia in individuals with a higher level of damage.
Nursing Older People. Published in print: 26 March 2015
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Careers

Making connections
If associate professor in older person’s care Sarah Goldberg had not experienced complications during pregnancy, she may never have embarked on a career in nursing. She speaks to Clare Lomas about the importance of compassion when caring for someone with dementia or cognitive impairment.
Nursing Older People. Published in print: 28 May 2015.
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Students

Starting out - I learned that music is a great way to converse with dementia patients
In my second year of nurse training, I applied to become a dementia champion at the trust where I was completing most of my clinical placements.
Nursing Standard. Published in print: 17 June 2015.
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Practice profile

Nutrition in dementia
A CPD article prompted Georgina O’Reilly-Foley to consider ways of improving mealtimes for patients with dementia.  The CPD article provided tools and strategies to help healthcare professionals adopt a holistic approach when caring for patients with dementia.
Nursing Standard. Published in print: 17 June 2015
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