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


How teaching children about dementia helps you become a better communicator

Innovative resource helps nursing students improve children’s awareness of the condition

How nurses can support informal carers of people living with dementia

Recognising the integral role of carers of patients with dementia is vital

Volunteers are transforming the care of people with dementia

The Dementia Carers’ Support Service helps carers draw on the experience of volunteers

Dementia Carers’ Support Service was invaluable when I was caring for my dad

The service helped Loretta Peck care for her father – and prompted her to become a nurse

Dementia-friendly X-ray room promotes calmer atmosphere

The specially designed imaging room can be tailored to patients’ mood

Dementia therapy through music

Three studies examine the benefits of music-based therapies for people with dementia

Care home residents can benefit from carrying out everyday activities

Safety concerns prevent care home residents doing everyday tasks that benefit them...

Treat delirium as a medical emergency

Delirium is a medical emergency and risk reduction should be considered throughout care

Nutritional interventions for preventing malnutrition in people with dementia

People with dementia are at higher risk of malnutrition, which can have negative effects

You don’t have to be a specialist to give continence support to people with dementia

Nurses can offer understanding, assessment and a plan to manage incontinence

How healthcare professionals can support older LGBTQ+ people living with dementia

Exploring some of the needs of older LGBTQ+ people with dementia

Blood tests offer clue to dementia risk

Blood tests using biomarkers could be used to predict dementia risk

Is technology the next step in falls prevention?

Motion sensors are helping one dementia unit to prevent falls, reduce injuries and cut costs

Three decades of older people's nursing reflected in our pages

A dip into our archives, and the recollections of two former editors

Looking back at 30 years of older people’s nursing

Older people’s nurses remember three decades of challenges and developments in the specialty

Why music can be a valuable tool for improving the lives of people with dementia

TV series with Line of Duty star helps to address the challenges of living with the condition

How an enhanced care initiative has improved dementia services

Introduction of an enhanced nursing care team has reduced use of costly support staff

How do I recognise and treat pain appropriately in a person with dementia?

A tool to help staff manage pain in dementia care uses four simple steps

Pages