Do patients with dementia get better or worse in hospital?
Parallel 3
17 November, 2026 5:00 – 6:10 pmRethinking dementia care in acute hospitals
Kellie Smart
Nurse Lead for Dementia & Delirium
Tameside & Glossop NHS ICFT
Summary
Hospital admission can be a pivotal event in the trajectory of dementia care. While acute hospitals are designed to diagnose and treat physical illness, people living with dementia frequently experience poorer outcomes during admission, including delirium, deconditioning, distress, falls, reduced mobility, loss of independence and transitions into 24 hour care. This presentation explores whether hospitalisation improves or worsens outcomes for patients with dementia and examines the complex interaction between acute illness, hospital environments, and cognitive impairment. Drawing on clinical leadership experience, case examples, and current evidence, the session will highlight how compassionate, dementia-informed practice could reduce avoidable deterioration and improve patient and carer experiences. The presentation will also examine the role of multidisciplinary teams, personalised care, discharge planning, and organisational culture in influencing outcomes. Attendees will gain practical insight into how healthcare systems could better support recovery, dignity, and function for people living with dementia during hospital admission.