Dementia JSNA

Evidence base

This section provides links and a brief summary of a robust evidence base. For example, peer-reviewd studies, systematic revies, evaluations of interventions and best practice guidelines from national sources.

Issue number 1 = highest priority
1	Source	Local Government Association
	Title incl. web link	Dementia support guide for councils Dementia support guide for councils \| Local Government Association
	Summary	Councils should use strategies such as: Leadership in prevention and early intervention Acknowledging statutory responsibilities for care and support Partnership working with health services, voluntary sector and communities Take inspiration from other councils on innovative practice to inspire local action There is an emphasis on: Timely diagnosis and post-diagnostic support Dementia-friendly communities Carer support and respite services
	Source	NHS England
	Title incl. web link	Dementia wellbeing pathway NHS England » Dementia wellbeing pathway
	Summary	The pathway provides a structured, person-centred framework for supporting people with dementia. It outlines 5 key stages of care designed to ensure individuals receive the right support at the right time: Preventing Well – focuses on reducing risk factors; encouraged public health campaigns and community-based interventions promoting brain health; and supports early identification. Diagnosing Well – aims for timely and accurate diagnosis; promotes access to specialist memory assessment services; and emphasises the importance of clear communication and post-diagnostic support planning. Supporting Well – ensure people with dementia and carers receive coordinated person-centred care; encourages care planning, case management and access to community resources; and supports carers’ wellbeing. Living Well – focuses on enabling people to live independently and with dignity; promotes dementia-friendly communities, housing and transport; and encourages social inclusion. Dying Well – ensures people with dementia experience a good death; promotes advance care planning, palliative care and support for families; and encourages integration of dementia into end-of-life services.
2	Source	NHS England
	Title incl. web link	Implementation guide and resource pack for dementia care NHS England » Implementation guide and resource pack for dementia care
	Summary	A guide that outlines what good quality community-based dementia care looks like: Timely diagnosis and treatment within 6 weeks of referral Integrated care planning involving health, social care and voluntary sectors Support for carers including respite and education Community navigation roles to help people access local services Emphasis on dementia-friendly environments and peer support
	Source	Alzheimer’s Society
	Title incl. web link	GP annual review with a person with dementia GP annual review with a person with dementia \| Alzheimer's Society
	Summary	Reviews help identify co-existing conditions or complications early, improving overall health outcomes Structured medication review ensures treatments are still appropriate and minimise side effects or interactions GPs discuss future care preferences which support autonomy and reduces crisis interventions Reviews often include carers’ assessment helping to identify stress, burnout or unmet needs and connecting to support services To promote independence and wellbeing GPs can refer to physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social prescribers Reviews provide continuity of care, building a trusted relationship between the person with dementia, their carer and the GP.
3	Source	Livingstone et al (2020) ‘Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission’, The Lancet Commissions, 396: 413-46. Doi: 10.1016/ S0140-6736(20)30367-6
	Title incl. web link	Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission
	Summary	The report identified 12 modifiable risk factors that could prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases globally, including: Early life – education Midlife – hearing loss, hypertension, obesity, alcohol use and head injury Later life – smoking, depression, social isolation, physical inactivity, diabetes and air pollution. The report emphasises local authorities can play a major role by: Promoting early childhood education Supporting smoking cessation and alcohol reduction Improving air quality and road safety Investing in community-based physical and social activities
	Source	Alzheimer’s Society
	Title incl. web link	Risk factors for dementia Risk factors for dementia \| Alzheimer's Society
	Summary	Alzheimer’s Society provides advice for local authorities and communities to: Raise awareness of lifestyle-related risks Support healthy ageing initiatives Embed dementia prevention into local health and wellbeing strategies
4	Source	NHS England
	Title incl. web link	Implementation guide and resource pack for dementia care NHS England » Implementation guide and resource pack for dementia care
	Summary	The guide outlines would high-quality dementia care should look like in care homes and across the care pathway: Person-centred care planning – tailored to individual needs, preferences and life history Staff training – emphasising dementia awareness, communication skills and behavioural support Integrated care – working with GPs, community mental health teams and families Post-diagnostic support – ensuring continuity of care and access to therapies and social engagement
	Source	Alzheimer’s Society
	Title incl. web link	Supporting a person with dementia in a care home 691 Supporting a person with dementia in a care home
	Summary	The guide offers practical advice for care home staff and families: Preparing for the move: patient environment, sharing personal history with staff and reducing anxiety Settling in: building routine, encouraging social interaction and maintaining family connections Ongoing support: understanding behavioural changes, managing emotional needs and involving families in care planning Advocacy and rights: encouraging families to speak up for the resident’s preferences and needs