Sharing knowledge: Keeping our dementia information accurate and relevant

I’m very proud to be part of the team that’s dedicated to always improving our information for people affected by dementia. This includes over 100 publications in print, online and in audio, and it’s a core part of how we support people. 

Upcoming additions include a new activities handbook for carers and a new factsheet about denial and lack of insight. We’ve also updated our factsheets on communicating and hospital care.

These topics are particularly relevant at a time when many people are coping with increased isolation and worsening symptoms of dementia.

Updating 

With so much changing so often, this year has really highlighted the importance of up-to-date information. 

Even without the pandemic, we review and update all our publications every three years. We do this based on the latest evidence, and on what people affected by dementia and other experts think of them. 

This keeps our information accurate and relevant so that it can help people to make decisions, face challenges and get the right support. 

Always more 

Involving people with dementia and their carers, family and friends is especially important. It ensures that this information is as representative and accessible as possible. 

Getting feedback from people affected by dementia is certainly the most rewarding part of my job. It reminds me of the impact of my work, and that no experience of dementia is the same. 

There is always more to understand and more we can do to improve the support we offer. 

Humbling 

Earlier this year, I led some feedback sessions about new designs of The dementia guide, which is for people with a recent diagnosis.

It was humbling to hear people’s individual stories and to learn how the guide could better reflect their experiences. 

These discussions took place over Zoom due to lockdown, after weeks of isolation. This gave them an extra special feeling of collaboration and togetherness.

I can’t wait for for the updated version of The dementia guide to come out so that I can share the results with everyone who contributed! 

We’d love to hear from you if you’re interested in feeding back about our information – please email us if so.