Dementia Bulletin

January 2026

The latest dementia bulletin from Mersey Care Evidence and Library Service has now been published at https://www.evidentlybetter.org/dementia/2026/01/19-january-2026/

In this issue:

  • Alzheimer’s finger-prick blood test could transform diagnosis, experts say
  • Suicidal Behavior in Alzheimer’s Disease: Preliminary Study
  • Increased Dementia Risk in Higher-Functioning Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from 21,648 Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • A new psychosocial goal-setting and manualised support intervention for independence in dementia (NIDUS-Family): longer-term outcomes of a randomised controlled trial
  • Plus much more

Evidence Informed Practice in NHS Settings

Accessing research for practitioners

Research in practice work with and for professionals within social care, health, criminal justice and higher education to offer resources, learning opportunities and expertise. Anyone with a Trust email can sign up to start accessing their resources.

Research in practice brings together: research evidence, practice wisdom, and lived experience. Turning this into practical, accessible resources and learning opportunities that fit real‑life professional needs. [researchin…ice.org.uk]

At its heart, Research in Practice is about equipping professionals with the confidence and tools to use evidence well. Take a read of how one of our colleagues reflects on the similarities and differences of working in the NHS and local authority settings:

Evidence-informed practice in NHS settings | Research in Practice

Making Every Contact Count

The most recent Make Every Contact count public heath bulletin looking at latest evidence around smoking cessation, alcohol, healthy weight, healthy eating and physical exercise is now available. The bulletin is produced by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS FT Library staff. If you cannot access any of the articles included in the bulletin please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Smoking Cessation

Alcohol

Healthy Weight

Healthy Eating

Physical Activity


Learning Disabilities & Autism Bulletin

The latest Learning Disabilities and Autism bulletin from the Evidently Better team at Mersey Care NHS FT is now available.

In this edition:

  • Exploring recovery from anorexia in autistic adults: a qualitative study
  • Person-Centered: The Impact of People with IDD Choosing Their Goals on Their Quality of Life Outcomes
  • Increased Dementia Risk in Higher-Functioning Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from 21,648 Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Down Syndrome Act 2022 guidance: call for evidence (easy read and BSL)
  • The Mental Health Act 2025 summarised
  • Revised guidance on restrictive interventions in schools – CBF Statement

If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Community Health Bulletin

The latest Community health Bulletin produced by the Evidently Better team at Mersey Care NHS FT is now available.

In this edition:

  • The Mental Health Act 2025: what you need to know
  • Children’s Mental Health: Listen Up! – Joint Conference Special
  • The rising rates of common mental health conditions across all ages
  • Abuse victims to get specialist NHS support
  • Patient experience: do patients feel involved in decisions about their care?
  • Menopause and Long COVID

If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Perinatal Mental Health Bulletin

With thanks to our colleagues at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation trust the latest Perinatal Mental Health bulletin is now available to view and download. Some articles are freely accessible, others require an Open Athens account.

Please get in touch for support with this: academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Developing palliative and end-of-life care research partnerships in the North East and North Cumbria: A report on the first year of the RIPEN network

A new research article from the NIHR Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme reports on the first year of the RIPEN network in the North East and North Cumbria. The project aimed to build stronger palliative and end-of-life care research collaboration across health, social care and hospice settings.

The work brought together patient and public partners, NHS trusts, universities and local organisations to create a research culture that supports inquiry, sharing of knowledge and future funding success. Activities included seminars, training events, collaborative workshops and support for early career researchers.

The evaluation found that these efforts helped establish new connections, shaped research proposals and built momentum for continued development in this important area of care. This collaborative approach has created a strong foundation for ongoing research that aims to improve quality of life and experiences at the end of life for people and families.

Read the full article here: Developing palliative and end-of-life care research partnerships in the North East and North Cumbria: A report on the first year of the RIPEN network | NIHR Journals Library

Engaging in Communication to Promote Healthy Ageing: Home Visitors’ Perspective on the Utilisation of Information From Preventive Home Visits

A new article in Health and Social Care in the Community explores how effective communication supports healthy ageing in community settings. The research describes the role of professionals and services acting as connectors and advocates, helping individuals stay engaged, informed and socially connected as they grow older.

The authors emphasise that communication is central to community care. This includes listening to people’s priorities, helping them navigate services with confidence, and building trusting relationships that encourage participation and wellbeing. The study’s insights are especially relevant for anyone working with older adults, whether in health, social care or voluntary sector roles.

Understanding and improving how we talk with people about their health and social needs can make a real difference to quality of life, supporting independence and reducing isolation as people age. This research highlights the value of connection, respect and clarity in everyday practice.

Read the full article here: Engaging in Communication to Promote Healthy Ageing: Home Visitors’ Perspective on the Utilisation of Information From Preventive Home Visits – Nivestam – 2026 – Health & Social Care in the Community – Wiley Online Library

Spirituality and Mental Health bulletin

Please find attached the latest Spirituality and Mental Health bulletin produced by the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust library team. If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nsh.uk.