Whether you are a specialist dementia nurse or carer, or a family member wanting to learn more, there are a range of different publications you can turn to. Knowing which dementia journal, publication, blog or magazine to read is as bewildering as a diagnosis itself! We’re here to help!
Some, for example Dementia is heavily research based and suits those working in developing care models, and some carers. Others, for example Dementia Together is much more geared towards family members and even those in the early stages of the disease. Others, like the Journal of Dementia Care, bridge both those providing care and loved ones.
Here we take a look at which are our favourite dementia journals so that you can select the reading that will best provide what you’re looking for.
· The Journal of Dementia Care (JDC)
The Journal of Dementia Care (JDC) appeals to a wide readership. There’s always something of interest both for those involved in dementia nursing and care provision, as well as insightful articles for those interested in dementia and supporting loved ones living with the disease. Technically, the journal is written for professionals, but we find that many articles are accessible to those looking to take a deeper look at the disease afflicting a loved one, and understanding developments in the research space.
The Journal of Dementia Care is a subscription-based magazine available both in the UK and internationally. It’s an excellent source for learning about latest best practice in dementia care as well as advancements in technology and research. As they say themselves, “JDC is grounded firmly in practice with a strong emphasis on ‘knowledge translation’ which closes the gap between dementia care research and practice.”
· Dementia
Dementia is a print publication, with online access, from SAGE Publishing. It’s an international peer reviewed journal with a strong focus on research and scientific and social progress. It’s aimed at those working in dementia research but does have articles of relevance to those working within the care sector because of its mission to improve the quality of life and care of those living with dementia.
Some articles are available online, and these can provoke interesting discussion and changes for carers, for example, ‘There is still so much inside’: The impact of personalised reminiscence, facilitated by a tablet device, on people living with mild to moderate dementia and their family carers.
· Dementia Together
Dementia Together is the magazine of the Alzheimer’s Society and we highly recommend this journal both for carers and loved ones of those living with dementia. Dementia Together is also accessible to those in the early stages of living with the disease, with many finding it a reassuring source of information and community. The magazine is available both in print and through email subscriptions, with new issues every two months. You can also access back copies through the Alzheimer’s UK website. Subscription is available for a donation or for free.
Dementia Together regularly features the stories of those living with dementia and their carers. In addition, it’s excellent for signposting towards useful books and resources regarding dementia care.
· Enable
Enable is a UK disability and lifestyle magazine which sometimes features dementia-related articles. They share news about dementia, usually from a social perspective, and are also good at highlighting up-and-coming research about the disease.
You can read online. We recommend dipping in and out of Enable as there are, understandably, a lot of articles which may not be relevant.
· British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing
The British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing is the official publication of the British Association of Neuroscience Nurses (BANN) and is a subscription based magazine. It provides interesting and varied articles to those working within the neuroscience nursing sector, which includes those working in dementia care. The journal does an excellent job of ensuring nurses remain abreast of clinical, professional and policy developments.
· Nursing Older People
Nursing Older People is one of the publications from the RCNi (Royal College of Nursing) and is a subscription based magazine for nurses and healthcare professionals. Since COVID, they have been offering a number of their core articles and even some of their learning modules, online for free.
Nursing Older People often has interesting and insightful articles of use to those caring for older people, including those with dementia. It is also very good at helping those within the care sector stay on top of political and social situations of the day affecting care workers.
While we traditionally think of a journal as being a printed magazine, increasingly, high quality articles and information are available through dementia blogs. These blogs are often far more accessible to loved ones supporting someone with dementia. Our top recommendations include:
· The Eastleigh Blog
The Eastleigh Care Home Blog brings you relevant and engaging articles about dementia and care for older people. We are proud to bring you articles that give you accessible information you need, such as dealing with negative elderly parents, what is a memory clinic, and advice on when someone with dementia should go into a care home.
· Dementia Day to Day
Dementia Day to Day by Nottingham University brings together multiple different authors with pieces ranging from advice for carers to support for families. From research updates to how dementia is portrayed in films, there’s a huge range of content here.
· The Alzheimer’s Society
The Alzheimer’s Society blog carries regular updates and articles about dementia news and research, as well as interest pieces and campaign-centred articles. There is a lot of content here, and you’ll need to sift through what is relevant to you. But whether you’re working in dementia care, or even looking for tips to prevent getting dementia yourself, there will be something of interest.
Reading a dementia journal can help you feel less isolated, however and for whatever reason you are associated with this difficult disease. Just try to find the journal which is most suited to your needs and interests.
