Managing a dual diagnosis of cancer and dementia in an acute setting: considerations, implications and future recommendations

Objectives: To present an overview of the issues related to the well-being of people affected by cancer and dementia. To highlight the evidence from dementia care that can help improve the care experiences of people with dementia and cancer. Data Sources: Electronic databases such as PubMed and CINAHL were used to retrieve relevant literature published between 2010 and 2020. Conclusion: Having a dual diagnosis of dementia and cancer poses several challenges across the cancer care pathway. Communication, treatment decision-making, environment, and time-related issues were all identified. The literature suggests the need for evidence-based guidelines taking into consideration the person and the environment to support this population. Implications for Nursing Practice: To address these challenges and offer an optimal care experience for this group and their families, solutions need to focus both on the workforce and the environment. Offering dementia education for professionals working in acute cancer care, as well as adapting local environments that facilitate people navigate the space can be a starting point to offer person-centered, rights-based dementia sensitive care.