Key Issues in Evolving Dementia Care: International Theory-Based Policy and Practice brings together a collection of papers from established policy makers, researchers, and front-line clinicians. This book presents theoretical, research, policy, and practice discussions in the field of dementia studies. Key Issues in Evolving Dementia Care is well-written, approachable, and valuable to both students and experts in the field of dementia care. The chapters are organized into three succinct sections: Part I: Conceptual Dementia; Part II: Policy Development; and Part III: Innovative Approaches to Care.

Part I provides the reader with background information, laying the foundation for a strong understanding of the history of issues and practical implications related to dementia. Part I begins by providing the reader with an overview of each of the theoretical models that underpin aspects of dementia care policy; practice and research; and biomedical, psychosocial, and critical social gerontology. The authors focus on the importance of understanding how dementia is conceptualized and the significant ramifications this has for those who have dementia. The subsequent chapter reviews the current state of dementia care in Canada. An overview of current and predicted epidemiological factors shaping dementia care is presented including socio-demographic, nutritional, and vascular risk factors. Person-centred biomedical treatment and the breakthrough concept of multicomponent (biomedical and psychosocial) intervention for dementia are also discussed. The importance of having a formal diagnosis at an individual level is reviewed in the final chapter of Part I. The authors stress that treatment options are available for all stages of dementia, and the notion that dementia is a condition for which “nothing can be done” is not only severely outdated, but also harmful to those affected and to those working with this population.

Part II focuses on key international dementia strategies through case studies drawn from England, France, Scotland, and Malta. The international strategies showcase tremendous progress in how dementia care, from the front line to the policy level, is being spearheaded and is invaluable in building our own understanding of how dementia care on both the national and international level should be developing. For instance, the English National Dementia Strategy is structured along three themes: (a) improving public and professional attitudes towards, and an understanding of, dementia; (b) early diagnoses and intervention for all; and (c) good quality care and support from diagnosis through to end of life. The author of this chapter presents an in-depth analysis of the three Alzheimer plans implemented in France: the plans’ evolution of dementia policy in terms of images, health, social care, governance, implementation processes, financing, and, lastly, the impact the plans have on the lives of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

The Scotland case study presents the Fife Dementia Strategy: a regional dementia strategy developed with the aim of improving the treatment, support, and care provided for people with dementia living in the region of Fife. The authors demonstrate the impact of policy and planning at the local level and how this emphasises the need for involvement of a wide range of stakeholders in policy processes. The final chapter in Part II describes the challenges of developing a dementia strategy in the small southern European country of Malta. The authors discuss the unique case study of Malta, and they present recommendations that are a result of wide-ranging consultations held with stakeholders from various sectors of the Maltese community as well as the general public.

Part III of the book integrates policy and theory, successfully demonstrating the importance of implementing novel dementia policy solutions using four international case studies, examining key and topical dementia care practice issues within India, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. The first chapter discusses the function of memory clinics and post-diagnostic services for people newly diagnosed with dementia and their families in Scotland. The second chapter describes the current state of dementia care in India and proposes solutions for bridging the “treatment gap” with India’s Dementia Home Care Project. This project was developed, using locally available resources, as an intervention in response to the complex needs of people with dementia and their families. The unique component of the Dementia Home Care Project was that the caregiving interventions were provided by community individuals with no specific education or training regarding dementia. These caregivers participated in a one-week training program and worked under the supervision of health professionals. The authors suggest that this cost-effective program demonstrates that it is possible to introduce a community dementia outreach program as part of the existing primary health care setup, relying on trained non-specialist community health workers supervised by appropriate specialists. In the following chapter, the authors evaluate the impact of environmental design on physical activity levels of individuals living with a dementia.

Arguably, the most fascinating chapter of Key Issues in Evolving Dementia Care is the discussion of an innovative dementia training technique used in the deep south of the United States. The authors report on an innovative approach to dementia care that was shown to be culturally relevant for minority, certified nurse aides who cared for and supported people with dementia. The authors discuss racism and class differences that are apparent in residential care staffing situations.

This book concludes by merging key issues raised by the authors in order to illustrate links between theory, policy, and practice. Gaps in the literature are addressed in order to ensure that dementia is approached holistically, in a way that addresses the imperative theory-practice and policy-practice gaps. The authors build on solid research and policy and make a number of important contributions to the field of dementia research, topical care, and emerging policy issues. This contribution combines the work of previously established leaders in research and policy regarding dementia care with emerging researchers, clinicians, and policy makers. Key Issues in Evolving Dementia Care will be of most interest to academic disciplines in the areas of aging and health, from sociology to pharmacology. However, this book is also likely to be of great importance to those with professional backgrounds, for example: nursing, social work, medicine, and other health professionals as well as those involved in changing and implementing policies supporting dementia care on both a national and international level.

Key Issues in Evolving Dementia Care offers insights into how policy and regional and national dementia strategies are developed and the range of innovative best-practice approaches that can be taken in practice. This book creates the foundation for an international dialogue of ideas and interdisciplinary initiatives ensuring that the needs of people with dementia around the world are met, both now and in the future.