Recent figures from the Office of National Statistics have shown that 15,690 households headed by over-65s are at risk of homelessness, a rise of 79% in the last five years, while the Combined Homelessness and Information Network, which records levels of rough sleeping, indicated around 12% of all rough sleepers in London in fiscal year 24/25 were aged over 55, an overall figure of 1,578
Freely available online
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
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
A new report from the Alzheimer’s Society has captured the voices of people affected by dementia across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Lived Experiences of Dementia 2025 survey highlights the reality of life with dementia today, from the challenges of getting a timely diagnosis to the emotional and practical toll on families. The findings reveal a system under pressure where too many people still struggle to access the care and understanding they deserve.
By listening to lived experience, the report calls for greater awareness, stronger community support and more compassionate, joined up services.
You can read the full report here: Survey report: Lived experiences of dementia 2025 | Alzheimer’s Society
The latest dementia bulletin from Mersey Care Evidence and Library Service has now been published.
In this issue:
If you are unable to access any of the included items please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.
The latest dementia bulletin from Mersey Care Evidence and Library Service has now been published at https://www.evidentlybetter.org/dementia/2025/09/3-september-2025/
In this issue:
If you are unable to access any of the included items please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.
The latest dementia bulletin from Mersey Care Evidence and Library Service has now been published at https://www.evidentlybetter.org/dementia/2025/09/3-september-2025/
In this issue:
If you are unable to access any of the included items please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.
A recent NHS milestone shows 506,549 people in the UK have received a dementia diagnosis, up from 490,163 a year ago—reflecting improved awareness and access to testing under the NHS 10 Year Health Plan.
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has also launched MinderCare, an at-home monitoring service using discreet sensors on beds, appliances, and doorways. It helps clinical teams monitor routines, medication responses, and early signs of decline—supporting safer, more responsive care at home.
In the past year, the NHS delivered 330,460 care plans or reviews and 114,447 medication reviews, reinforcing a stronger support system for those with dementia.
Read more here: Record number of dementia diagnoses on NHS | UK Healthcare News
A recent NIHR ARCs webinar on 9 July 2025 highlighted the impact of creative arts on dementia care. Over three concise 10-minute talks, researchers covered music therapy, singing and dancing interventions, and how creative arts can involve people living with dementia in research. The event was chaired by Dr Stephen Lim (ARC Wessex) and featured Dr Ming-Hung Hsu (East of England), Dr Megan Polden (North West Coast), and Prof Linda Clare (South West Peninsula)
Read more: NIHR ARCs national webinar (#ARCseminar): Creative arts for dementia | NIHR ARC Wessex
A recent Cochrane review evaluated the effects of music-based therapeutic interventions on individuals with dementia. Analysing data from 30 studies involving 1,720 participants, the review found that, compared to usual care, music-based interventions probably lead to slight improvements in depressive symptoms and may reduce overall behavioural problems. However, evidence regarding benefits for agitation, emotional well-being, cognition, and long-term effects remains limited or uncertain.
These findings suggest that while music therapy can offer some benefits for people with dementia, further high-quality research is needed to fully understand its impact.
Read the full review: Cochrane Library – Music-Based Therapeutic Interventions for People with Dementia
