This module series on dementia has covered a lot of ground. Here’s a round up of the main points:

• Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. It occurs when the brain is affected by a disease. There are many types of dementia; the most common ones are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and mixed dementia (a combination of different types of dementia)
• The risk of developing some types of dementia can be reduced, through lifestyle changes
• The prevalence of dementia is increasing as our population ages
• It is possible to live well with dementia, but as the conditions progresses the impact on the person and their families can be devastating
• The diagnosis of dementia should be made by healthcare professionals with expertise in diagnosis using international standardised criteria
• Early diagnosis and identification of dementia allows people time to make plans for their future, access treatments sooner and get the support they need
• There is currently no cure for dementia. The management of dementia should take a holistic, person-centred approach, and consider the value of both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions
• NICE guidelines, technology appraisals, pathways and quality statements provide a structure to the approach to the holistic care of people with dementia, their families and carers
• The pharmacy team has a key role to play in supporting people with dementia and their carers, including lifestyle advice, medicines optimisation, use of support networks and signposting to patient support groups.