Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a range of progressive conditions affecting the brain. As a person’s age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia. It is estimated that by 2025 more than one million people will be living with dementia in the UK. Dementia is therefore an increasingly important topic in the nursing care of older people.

In recognition of Dementia Action Week, which takes place 17-23 May, we have grouped together articles from RCNi’s archive showcasing the nursing role in caring for older people with dementia.

While the articles identify the breadth and scope of nursing practice, what unites them is a recognition that every person living with dementia is unique and should be cared for as an individual. We hope the articles will support you to deliver person-centred dementia care.

Please contact Lisa Berry, editor of Nursing Older People, at lisa.berry@rcni.com with your comments, suggestions or feedback and help raise awareness of our content by sharing this resource on social media using the weblink rcni.com/dementia


Patients with dementia left in pads, even when not incontinent, study finds

Staff report routine use of incontinence measures due to overstretched resources

Why I chose older people’s nursing and find it so rewarding

Five nurses reflect on why they enjoy their work and what continues to inspire them

Estimating cost of a music intervention for aged care residents with dementia

Individualised music listening has been shown to reduce agitation and improve mood

Role of Admiral Nurses in supporting people with learning disabilities and dementia

An exploration of the role of the Admiral Nurse in learning disability services

Providing music therapy for people with dementia in an acute mental health setting

Enhance your knowledge of the benefits of music therapy for this patient group

Diagnosing, managing and preventing UTIs in older people with dementia in hospital

Urinary tract infections are common in older people but frequently complicated to diagnose

Care home uniforms: exploring stakeholders’ views on clothing options for staff

The care home community is divided on whether or not staff should wear a uniform

Pain measurement: tools that can aid assessment, including for patients with dementia

Find out about the tools and scales for acute and chronic pain that can aid your practice

Dementia care in non-specialist settings: what would you ask an expert?

Your questions for an Admiral Nurse could help create a user-friendly learning resource

Admiral Nurses: what do these varied roles in dementia care involve?

Find out about the CV you need, and the salary and career development you can expect

Showcasing the best innovative practice in older people’s care

The 2022 RCN Nursing Awards offer a fresh chance to recognise nurses’ skill and adaptability

Dementia misdiagnosis: identifying people at risk of being missed

GP and memory assessment services curtailed by COVID-19, but staff training needs recognised

How to develop an intensive support team for older people in mental health crisis

The implementation of an intensive support team designed to provide care in a patient’s home

Organic versus mixed specialist older adult inpatient mental health units

Does care quality for people with dementia differ between mixed and organic wards?

Admiral Nurses in the community: helping carers cope with the uncertainty of dementia

Primary care support to families living with dementia, plus the skills of the role

Using video consultations to support family carers of people living with dementia

The experiences of a team of Admiral Nurses in setting up and conducting video consultations

The psychological effects of caring for a family member with dementia

An integrative review of the effects of caring for a family member with dementia at home

Supporting older people with dementia to sleep well while in hospital

Sleep is essential for health, well-being and recovery but is challenging in acute hospitals

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