Health promotion for older people with dementia living in the community

Dementia has physical, psychological, social and economic effects, not only on people with dementia but also on their families, carers and society as a whole. Health promotion interventions for older people with dementia living in the community can support their health and well-being, particularly early in the course of the condition. Nurses have an important role in working collaboratively with patients, family carers and the multidisciplinary team to develop health promotion activities that are tailored to the person and take into account the progressive nature of the condition. This article gives an overview of health promotion as an aspect of post-diagnosis dementia care and considers how nurses can work with older people with dementia living in the community to promote their health.