ABSTRACT
There have been significant advances in the way in which people with dementia are cared for based on increased awareness of their special needs, accumulated experience and knowledge and research. These advances have a key role to play in maximizing the quality of care which people with dementia receive in terms of identification of cognitive impairment, an understanding of causation, the benefits of better communication, avoidance of the often widespread therapeutic nihilism which surrounds dementia and a proper understanding and appreciation of end-of-life issues.
