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An overview about several forms of dementia is given, including aspects of diagnostic criteria and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your understanding of dementia • To appreciate that person-centred care can improve the experience of people with dementia • To learn some practical person-centred approaches to care for people with dementia admitted to general hospital wards Dementia is caused by conditions that result in a progressive loss of brain function. People with dementia often have complex multimorbidity which increases their risk of admission to hospital. However, care in acute hospitals is often not adapted to patients with dementia, who have reported negative experiences of their hospital stay from admission to discharge. Person-centred care has been shown to make a positive difference to how well people with dementia cope in hospital. This article discusses how nurses working on general hospital wards can enhance the experiences of people with dementia and improve their outcomes by providing person-centred care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dementia is usually perceived as a condition of older people, but can also affect those in middle age or even younger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of the benefits of music therapy for people with dementia • To understand how music therapy can be provided in acute mental health settings • To learn about a new tool for measuring the effectiveness of music therapy in people with dementia As global figures for dementia are set to rise significantly, there has been a shift towards using non-pharmacological interventions such as music therapy to enhance the quality of life for people with the condition. Research into music therapy interventions for this patient group in acute mental health inpatient settings, however, is limited. This article describes a service evaluation that explored whether group music therapy was effective for people with dementia in such settings. Open group music therapy sessions were hosted weekly in two acute wards and the researchers examined the social and behavioural outcomes of participants pre and post-intervention. The results indicated that music therapy significantly improved patient outcomes following participation. The outcome measure developed for this service evaluation was found to be a reliable tool for measuring the effectiveness of music therapy on patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines a collaborative coaching program for speech-language pathologists (SLP), certified nursing assistants (CNA) and residents with dementia at a Michigan skilled nursing facility (SNF). Topics discussed include the interprofessional practice factors to be considered such as understanding the organizational culture, importance of the weekly brainstorming meeting among the SLP, CNA and resident, and the need for SLP to discuss their patient goals to the administrator.

AUTH Why you should read this article: • To recognise the therapeutic properties of music • To understand the benefits of music for people with dementia • To familiarise yourself with music interventions that can be used in the care of people with dementia The therapeutic properties of music have been recognised since antiquity. In recent years, there has been a growing evidence base to support claims about the benefits of music for individuals with various health conditions, including dementia. It has been reported that music interventions can lead to improvements in cognition, behaviour and psychosocial well-being in people with dementia, as well as improving the experience of carers. Therefore, it is suggested that nurses should consider harnessing music's potential by incorporating it into the care they provide. This article explores the evidence base for the use of music in dementia care and outlines its potential benefits. It also details the range of music interventions, modes of delivery, and considerations for practice and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AUTH Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of the features of dementia, delirium and depression • To understand how to differentiate between dementia, delirium and depression, and the validated clinical assessment tools available to assist in this • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) Older people can find hospital stays challenging and distressing. When their presenting symptoms make it challenging for healthcare professionals to differentiate between dementia, delirium and depression, their experience may be increasingly distressing, and can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment, as well as an increased risk of morbidity. This article considers each of the conditions of dementia, delirium and depression, their presenting features and how nurses can differentiate between them to enable comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment in older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a life-participation approach to treating patients with dementia. The approach focuses on helping patients achieve goals that are meaningful to them rather than on rote exercises. The key to the approach is person-centered assessment and intervention which involves collaboratively written goals that address the concerns of patients and their family members.

The author discusses how the Tameside Hospital Admiral Nursing Service was launched following a carer's complaint about the lack of dementia support at the hospital. Topics covered include the hospital's collaboration with Dementia UK, the conversion of the author's role as lead nurse for frail and elderly dementia to Admiral Nurse, and the planned implementation of specialist interventions and group work to help people live well with dementia.

Several public inquiries have identified systemic issues in some healthcare settings in the UK. Such findings indicate that it is necessary for multidisciplinary efforts to develop and maintain compassionate inpatient care. This reflective article summarises and explores themes from an event, titled Post Francis and Andrews: Psychological Approaches to Advancing Compassionate Healthcare Delivery in Wales, which took place in November 2014. The article outlines the relevant principles and psychological approaches to compassionate care discussed at the event. It provides nurses with a basis for considering these principles in their practice, encourages them to consider the ways collaboration between psychologists and nurses can be improved, and provides recommendations for developing compassionate care systems in Wales and the rest of the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication skills training can be a valuable means of supporting professional and family carers of people with dementia. Most communication skills training programmes for those caring for people with dementia focus on dementia awareness and the technical aspects of communication, such as the pace and volume of the carer's speech. However, it is also important to examine what is conveyed about a carer's internal experience in their non-verbal interactions with people living with dementia. This article explores how drawings can be used to help carers to reflect on what is communicated and question any hidden assumptions. It discusses three case studies to demonstrate the complex dynamics that may be involved in interactions with people with dementia: the loss of shared memories, facing towards someone with dementia rather than away from them, and talking about issues that may be upseting. Drawings provide a means for carers to access their unspoken thoughts and emotions, and can help them to improve their understanding of non-verbal interactions with people who have dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with learning disabilities, particularly Down's syndrome, are at increased risk of dementia. At present, services and care tailored to people with both dementia and a learning disability are unsatisfactory. This article reviews the literature specific to dementia in people with learning disabilities, including: comprehensive screening, diagnosis, management, environmental considerations, end of life care and training issues for nursing staff. Recommendations for best practice and service improvement are made to improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia and learning disabilities, pre and post-diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To present a narrative review of the empirical literature on the use of horticultural therapy in dementia care. Method A comprehensive literature search, conducted in December 2014, resulted in the selection of 15 primary research articles for review. Of these, three used qualitative methods, five used quantitative methods and seven used mixed methodology. The articles were critically appraised, and the narrative synthesis used a thematic approach whereby prominent themes from the articles were grouped to form representative themes. Findings Three main themes emerged from the narrative synthesis: the emotional health of people living with dementia, their perceived self-identity and their levels of engagement. Conclusion 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. Subsequent articles will discuss how dementia affects the brain, the clinical features of dementia, its assessment and diagnosis, and the medical management and treatment of dementia. The series will then look in depth at how nursing care can maximise the quality of life of those affected by dementia and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article mentions the project led by Doctor Rachel Potter, a senior research fellow at Warwick Medical School and a former district nurse in Great Britain, to examine the relationship between the design of care homes and symptoms of depression in residents. Topics discussed include comments from Potter on one outdoor space with giant rabbits for residents to interact with and comments from Professor June Andrews on designing a garden to be used safely by people with dementia.

As part of a service evaluation, a questionnaire and a 12-item set of guidelines on the use of therapeutic lies were sent electronically to 76 psychiatrists in north east England; 38% (n = 29) of the psychiatrists responded. Approximately three quarters of the respondents (n = 21) thought the guidelines could improve communication skills, but only half (n = 15) felt the guidelines provided an ethical guide to practice. Of note is the fact that 69% (n = 20) of the respondents said they had lied to someone lacking capacity when it was deemed to be in the person's best interests and 66% (n = 19) said they had sanctioned the use of lies by carers. These results are discussed, alongside qualitative information to explore the use of therapeutic lies in dementia care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient-centred care is a term widely used in health policy and is familiar to staff as a principle or commonly agreed approach to care. However, nursing and multidisciplinary teams often do not agree how it should be provided for older patients. This article outlines three different models of patient-centred care applicable to the care of older people. The article also explores the concept of vulnerability in old age, highlighting differences between the perspectives of older people and those of professionals and how clinical practice can be improved to achieve a more patient-centred approach. The links between patient-centred care and vulnerability in old age are considered along with the implications of this for clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health problems are common in older people admitted to general hospitals. With an increasing ageing population, admissions will rise and nurses will be expected to manage patients' co-existing mental health problems as well as physical problems. This article explores potential strategies for the management of patients with depression, delirium and dementia. The emphasis is on improving guality of care for this group of vulnerable patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the way food packaging is used by the researchers in the Great Britain for the alleviation of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The topics discussed include food packaging as the psychological tool for sparking the decision to eat, sweets' packaging system developed by Nestle SA for resurrecting memories of cognitively impaired individuals, and health improving effects of candy packaging. INSET: Packaging Research: A Path to the Consumer's Mind.

The article reports on the creation of a Sensory Space at the Louisville Public Library in Ohio. It mentions the two parts of the space, one that provides stimulation and one that limits sensory stimuli, the services for patrons with dementia or autism, and the incorporation of the space into programming.

A charity that uses reminiscence to reach out to older people is improving dementia care, writes Jennifer Trueland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the use of antipsychotic drugs in the treatment of dementia with behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) in nursing homes. Both typical and atypical antipsychotic medications have been applied for BPSD symptoms including risperidone, olanzapine, and haloperidol. Though antipsychotic drugs provide significant improvement on BPSD symptoms, incidence of cerebrovascular events and other side-effects are cited.

The article offers suggestions that may be helpful to general practitioners (GP) in the medical care of disabled older people. Most older people want to live in their own homes, and good primary care, including an early diagnosis of dementia, enables this. Medication should be reviewed again within a few days of any changes made. GPs are often asked to prescribe sedating medication, but new NICE guidance on dementia is explicit that sedatives should be given only after other options fail.

The article focuses on the Case of Memories project launched by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to highlight replicas of nursing items used to stimulate people with dementia from 1940 to 1950. Topics covered include the use of the process called facilitated reminiscence, the trial of the scheme at the Hollies Care Centre and the response by RCN lead Dawne Garrett to the project.

A calendar of educational opportunities for nurses in March-April 2016 is presented including continuing professional development masterclass on allergies, one-day course on respiratory essentials, and the conference "NHS Five Year Plan: Responding to the Prevention Challenge."

The article discusses the updated guidance on dementia care that was issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in Great Britain. Topics mentioned include the symptoms of dementia including memory loss and confusion, the risk factors including age and smoking, and the recommendations for nurses on how to help their patients. Also presented is the comments by admiral nurse Rachel Thompson on the NICE guidelines.

June Andrews explains how her practical, concise new guide will help patients, families and nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the development and different aspects of the "Demential Assessment and Improvement Framework" devised by Great Western Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust deputy chief nurse Antonia Lynch.

An essay is presented about the importance of reminiscence therapy for patients with dementia. She relates her experience working in a community hospital where she helped to care for a 90-year-old male patient with dementia. The positive impact of daily activities with patients such as baking, decorating cakes and singing is noted. The benefits of occupational, physiotherapy and psychosocial therapy for people with dementia are also discussed.

The article reports on the launch of a guide for nurses who supervise art workshops for people with dementia in 2017.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to a letter to the editor from Catharine Jenkins titled "It Is Unfair for GPs to Be Paid £55 for Every Dementia Diagnosis", which appeared in the October 29, 2014 issue.

The article presents 2014 news on medicine. The British organization The Children's Trust will hold events on May 15th and November 13th to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Great Britain's King's Fund announced that it is accepting papers for the International Digital Health and Care Congress which will be held on September 10-12. The General Nursing Council for England and Wales Trust is offering grants worth up to £20,000 for nursing research.

The article offers British nursing news briefs as of November 13, 2013. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has updated its guidance on raising concerns about patient safety. The Health Education England's e-Learning for Healthcare portal has launched three interactive e-learning modules on perinatal mental health. The charity Career Academies UK is searching for nurses for its Career Ready electronic mentoring (e-mentoring) programme.

The article focuses on the article "Care in Specialist Medical and Mental Health Unit Compared With Standard Care for Older People With Cognitive Impairment Admitted to General Hospital: Randomised Controlled Trial (NIHR TEAM trial) by S. Goldberg et al., in the "British Medical Journal" which found specialist care for dementia does not impact hospital stay length.

The article presents 2013 news related to medicine. The annual summer school of Nurse Practitioner Associates will be held on June 21-22 at London Southbank University.

The article presents 2012 news on medicine. The Queen's Nursing Institute Scotland has announced that it is offering a web based learning course on professional development for nurses. Nurse Steve Cottrell has developed a web based self-help program called the Serenity Programme for people with anxiety and depression. A four day program for leaders and managers working in dementia care will be offered on October 10-11 and November 5-6 at the University of Stirling.

An interview with June Andrews, former director of Dementia Services Deveopment Centre at the University of Stirling in Scotland, is presented. She tells about her responsibilities in her current work as a consultant and identifies several of her clients and patients. She talks about learning thing in his job and refers to remaining independent and authoritative as her top priority at work. She also offers a background on her formative career experience.

The author emphasises that the future of dementia care is being endangered due to nursing shortages and the financial problems facing the National Health Service (NHS) in Great Britain. She says the ageing population presents problems for health and social services as well as for the workforce. She cites the decline in funding for nursing and care homes. She mentions two solutions to alleviate the problem of caring for dementia patients, namely, personal insurance and giving up work to care.

The author emphasizes the need to ease restrictions on visiting patients with dementia in hospital in Great Britain. She encourages people to join John's Campaign launched by Nicci Gerrard and Julia Jones aimed at ensuring that dementia patients have unrestricted access to their loved ones. She notes that dementia patients tend to reduce hospital stay and experience less distress when they have access to family and friends. She mentions a John's Campaign conference held in October 2016.

The article offers an overview of several research on nursing topics published in different journals. These include the compromised role of school nurses as they are involved in child protection and safeguarding tasks, a dedicated activities care crew introduced at Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, England to support patients with dementia, nutritional care pathway to help nurses and other healthcare professionals in their approach to cancer patients.

The article discusses the John's Campaign (JC) initiative to support people with dementia confined in hospitals in Great Britain. Topics include campaign in London for hospital sign-ups allowing carers' unrestricted access to dementia patients, fear for hospital by patients stated by Alzheimer's Society (AS) chief executive officer (CEO) Jeremy Hughes as well as condition decline of the father of JC co-founder Nicci Gerrard.

The article presents the updated guidance from the British Department of Health (DH) as of early October 2016, stating that nurses who care for individuals with dementia should fit the care they give to the individual not just the condition.

At the end of April, an event at the University of Winchester in Hampshire showcased links that are being forged between arts and science research in the study of dementia interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This section offers news briefs in the British heatlhcare sector. The National Care Form issued a publication suggesting that support for senior adult homosexual, bisexual and transgender people with dementia must be added in the National Dementia Strategy. The Health Economic Research Group at Brunel University London analysed 2,000 international academic papers, suggesting the importance of early implementation of emerging treatments for breast cancer, substance abuse and injuries.