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Student nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward dementia care: a systematic review
H S Maliga S K Wijesiri1, Thilini Kumari Weerasingha2, Nimantha Karunathilaka3
1Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Colombo, Sri Lanka. maligaskumari@kdu.ac.lk.
BMC Nursing
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Nursing students often have positive attitudes but limited knowledge regarding dementia care. Enhancing curricula with dementia-specific content and practical experience is crucial for effective future nursing practice.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Dementia presents a significant global health challenge, impacting individuals and requiring specialized care.
- Caring for people living with dementia (PLWD) poses challenges for healthcare professionals and informal caregivers.
- Adequate knowledge and positive attitudes among nursing students are vital for effective dementia care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize existing evidence on the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students towards dementia care.
- To identify gaps in nursing students' understanding and confidence in managing dementia.
- To inform educational strategies for improving dementia care competencies in future nurses.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive systematic review was conducted using multiple electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO).
- Studies published in English from 2013 to 2026, focusing on nursing students' dementia knowledge and attitudes, were included.
- Data were managed using Rayyan software, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, and analyzed via narrative synthesis.
Main Results:
- The review included 40 studies, revealing that nursing students generally possess low to moderate dementia-related knowledge, particularly in areas like management, communication, and end-of-life care.
- While attitudes towards PLWD were mostly positive, confidence in providing dementia care was sometimes reported as lower.
- Educational interventions, such as clinical placements and mentorship, demonstrated effectiveness in improving both knowledge and attitudes.
Conclusions:
- Nursing students require enhanced dementia-specific education within undergraduate curricula to address knowledge deficits.
- Experiential learning, reflective practice, and targeted interventions like aged care placements are essential for developing necessary skills and positive attitudes.
- Improving nursing students' competencies is critical for delivering high-quality, person-centered dementia care.
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01:30Dementia
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
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01:28Current Trends in Nursing I
Current trends in nursing include:
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01:15Nursing Evaluation
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Section...
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