Dementia: diagnosis and early interventions

Nurses are often central to care in the early stages of dementia and as such have the potential to have a positive long-term effect on the lives of all those affected by the condition. This paper examines several issues of importance to the early stages of the disease: the definition of dementia, its diagnosis, and early interventions for people with dementia and their families. Through this early pathway the article goes on to consider a ‘toolbox’ of various approaches and interventions that are available to ameliorate the impact of the condition on those affected.