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


Nursing associates: how to turn challenges into learning opportunities

COVID-19 shaped so much of my training – and for the better, I hope

Nursing students’ experiences of dementia care in the acute hospital setting

Students need to be socialised in dementia care earlier during undergraduate nurse education

How can further deconditioning be prevented in older people after COVID-19?

Nurses can help counter the physical and cognitive decline of older people

Improving medicine concordance in a patient with Parkinson’s and dementia: a case study

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition and can lead to Parkinson’s dementia

Providing cancer treatment and care to people living with cancer and dementia

Dementia complicates cancer treatment and care and there can be many challenges

Music and dementia: how playlists can promote person-centred care

Learn how to promote sensitive, tailored use of music in care settings

Developing a support group for carers of people living with dementia

A dementia nurse specialist who ran an educational support group for carers reflects on it

COVID-19 vaccine consent and dementia: implications and advice

Gaining consent and supporting people with dementia around the vaccination programme

Holistic pain assessment in older people and older people living with dementia

Nurses have a crucial role in pain assessment for older people and those living with dementia

Managing behaviour that challenges in people with dementia in the emergency department

Literature review on managing behaviour in people with dementia in emergency departments

Understanding the causes, symptoms and effects of young-onset dementia

Improve your knowledge of the condition and its distinct challenges

Palliative and end of life care for people with advanced dementia

The status and direction of palliative care for people with dementia

Using virtual care interventions for hospitalised older people with dementia

Using iPads can help patients connect with family and take part in person-centred activities

Sexually speaking: person-centred conversations with people living with a dementia

Nursing responsibilities in addressing sexuality in people living with a dementia

Learning and leadership in advanced dementia care

Evidence about leadership skills and competencies needed in advanced dementia care is scant

Dementia care: the nurse-led service that gets to the heart of what matters to carers

Admiral Nurse Kerry Lyons’ dementia support service is reducing inpatient stays and...

Meaningful activity in advanced dementia

Evidence-informed, creative interventions for people living with advanced dementia

Developing a dementia care leaders’ toolkit for older patients with cognitive impairment

Improving hospital care for older patients with cognitive impairment, including dementia and...

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