Dementia literacy in an ageing world

Abstract

Aims: This discursive article aims to capture and explore the most pertinent nursing aspects of dementia literacy (DL).

Background: Older people constitute a rapidly increasing proportion of the global population, experiencing higher risk of developing chronic disease, including dementia. It is important that older adults receive and understand reliable health-related information, as age-related changes may affect the level of health literacy in an older person. It has been suggested that older adults may have poorer health literacy than younger adults, associated with poorer health outcomes. Health literacy, how people receive, interpret and act on health information, play a significant role in dementia-related disorders, both as a possible predicter of onset of dementia and as a potential modifier of cognitive decline. Dementia literacy constitutes one aspect of health literacy in relation to nursing care, related to knowledge of dementia-related disorders and approaches towards older people with dementia.

Design: This discursive article explores the importance of DL for the nursing profession, including dementia-related assessment, education and interventions.

Method: This article is informed by analysis of relevant descriptive and empirical literature and policy documents related to DL, an increasingly important aspect of dementia-related nursing care. Valid assessment tools that can accurately assess aspects an individuals' DL are examined; these have the potential to help nurses detect dementia-related symptoms. With early detection and prevention of dementia, older people may have better chance of benefiting from evolving treatment options.

Conclusion: Greater attention needs to be given to the issue of DL in older people, especially in terms of nursing assessment and care. Globally, increased DL-related education is urgently required to improve knowledge of this concept; this includes public awareness initiatives to better understanding this chronic condition.

Implication nursing practice: Enhancing DL has the potential to empower older people to have greater access to healthcare services and to make more informed decisions about their health care.

Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution, as this is a discursive article.

Keywords: dementia; dementia literacy; health literacy; nursing; older people; public health; social determinants of health..