Can Dementia Affect Anyone? A Nursing Educator's Personal Journey

Joan Lyon, a 75-year-old grandmother diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, is making waves in the education of nursing and paramedic students at Stirling University. By sharing her personal experiences with dementia, she highlights the importance of dignity and respect for individuals living with the condition. Through her talks and volunteer work, Joan plays a crucial role in shaping compassionate future healthcare professionals, showing that lived experience can greatly enhance understanding in the field of dementia care.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Joan Lyon's unique contribution to Stirling University's Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) is transforming how students learn about dementia. Her involvement in the university's Being Dementia Smart module, the first in the UK to incorporate dementia design into nursing and paramedic training, underscores the value of integrating real-world experiences into academic settings. Joan's talks resonate deeply with students, providing them with insights that traditional lectures may lack, ultimately fostering a more empathetic approach to patient care.

Key takeaways

• Joan Lyon shares her personal experiences of living with Alzheimer's to educate future healthcare professionals.
• Her involvement is part of Stirling University's unique dementia module, which is compulsory for nursing and paramedic students.
• Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, changing their perceptions of dementia.

Timeline: how we got here

Joan Lyon's journey with dementia began in 2022 when she first noticed changes in her memory. After a series of medical evaluations, she received her diagnosis of Alzheimer's on 31 December 2022. Joan's active involvement with Stirling University's DSDC commenced shortly after her diagnosis, paving the way for her to share her experiences with nursing and paramedic students. This initiative is part of a broader movement to enhance dementia training in the UK, with Stirling leading the charge.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Joan's recent talks have highlighted the need for more personalised approaches in dementia care, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating real patient experiences into educational frameworks. Her continued advocacy for person-centred care is drawing attention to the often overlooked aspects of living with dementia.

What was already established

Prior to Joan's involvement, dementia training for healthcare students lacked sufficient real-world context. The establishment of the Being Dementia Smart module was a significant step in addressing this gap, but Joan's contributions have brought a new dimension to the curriculum, emphasising the importance of dignity and respect for those affected by dementia.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The insights provided by Joan and similar initiatives can enhance the quality of care for individuals with dementia across the UK. By educating future healthcare professionals, families and caregivers can expect a more compassionate approach that prioritises the dignity of those living with dementia, potentially improving their quality of life.

Businesses and jobs

As the demand for dementia care continues to rise, the healthcare sector may see increased hiring for professionals trained in person-centred approaches. Joan's involvement has the potential to influence curricula across the UK, encouraging other institutions to adopt similar modules to better prepare their students for real-world challenges.

Policy and regulation

Joan's advocacy efforts align with the UK's broader healthcare objectives, which aim to improve dementia care standards. Her recognition through awards demonstrates the importance of lived experiences in shaping healthcare policies and educational frameworks, potentially leading to legislative changes focused on dementia care in the future.

Numbers that matter

• 90,000 people in Scotland are affected by dementia, highlighting the need for educated care providers.
• Stirling University is the only UK institution to make dementia training compulsory for nursing and paramedic students.
• Joan has delivered talks to almost 100 students, directly influencing their understanding of dementia.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Dementia: A general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, often including memory loss.
• Alzheimer's disease: The most common form of dementia, characterised by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline.
• Person-centred care: An approach to healthcare that focuses on the individual needs and preferences of patients.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As Joan continues her lectures, students should actively engage with her insights and apply them in their practical training. This immediate interaction can enhance their learning and understanding of dementia care.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Joan's ongoing involvement may encourage other universities to consider similar integrations into their curricula, promoting a broader awareness of dementia care across the UK educational landscape.

Signals to watch

• Monitor feedback from students and faculty regarding the effectiveness of Joan's contributions.
• Watch for potential collaborations between Stirling University and other institutions for similar programmes.
• Observe any policy changes or initiatives aimed at improving dementia care training in the UK.

Practical guidance

Do

• Engage with patients' experiences to inform your approach to dementia care.
• Advocate for person-centred care practices in your training and future employment.
• Stay updated on advancements in dementia care research and practices.

Don’t

• Avoid treating dementia patients as a number or statistic; recognise their individuality.
• Do not underestimate the power of personal stories in understanding dementia.
• Refrain from making assumptions about a dementia patient's abilities based on stereotypes.

Checklist

• Have you engaged with patients to understand their experiences?
• Are you informed about the latest dementia care practices?
• Do you advocate for the dignity and respect of patients in your care?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Joan's contributions provide invaluable insights, it's important to note that each person's experience with dementia is unique. There remains a significant degree of variability in how dementia affects individuals, and what works for one person may not apply to another. As such, ongoing research and dialogue are essential to improve understanding and care strategies in dementia treatment.

Bottom line

Joan Lyon's work with Stirling University is a remarkable example of how personal experiences can enhance education in healthcare. By prioritising person-centred care, future healthcare professionals can significantly improve the lives of individuals living with dementia. As Joan continues her advocacy, it is crucial for other institutions to follow her lead in integrating real-world experiences into their training programmes.

FAQs

What role does Joan Lyon play at Stirling University?

Joan Lyon shares her personal experiences of living with Alzheimer's with nursing and paramedic students, enhancing their understanding of dementia care.

How does the Being Dementia Smart module work?

The Being Dementia Smart module is a compulsory part of the nursing and paramedic curriculum at Stirling University, focusing on dementia design and care approaches.

What is the significance of Joan's talks for students?

Joan's talks provide insights that challenge stereotypes about dementia, fostering compassion and understanding among future healthcare professionals.