Dementia 5: supporting people to live with dementia and comorbidities

Considering the impact of dementia on comorbid conditions, and vice versa, is vital to ensure the best possible care and quality of life

Abstract

The population is ageing, so there are likely to be more older people who have higher levels of dependency and comorbidity. Age is the greatest risk factor for developing dementia and, on average, people living with the disease are likely to have several additional chronic conditions. These people do not always have their comorbid conditions managed as well as older people without dementia, which can lead to more hospital admissions with longer lengths of stay. This fifth article in our series on dementia uses an anonymised case study to illustrate some of the complexities and goals of managing comorbid conditions in a person with dementia.

Citation: Foster D, Harrison Dening K (2023) Dementia 5: supporting people to live with dementia and comorbidities. Nursing Times [online]: 119; 7.

Authors: Debbie Foster is transitions of care Admiral Nurse, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Karen Harrison Dening is head of research and publications, Dementia UK, and honorary professor of dementia nursing, De Montfort University, Leicester.