Dementia care in the acute district general hospital.

Morbidity and mortality for any physical illness treated in hospital and complicated by dementia is increased. Length of stay is also prolonged for any physical illness and dementia. Poor uncoordinated hospital care contributes to increased rates of nursing home admissions. Improvement in acute sector care for dementia patients should have a higher priority. Enhanced communication with patients and carers, more attention to hydration and nutrition and improved environmental factors within the hospital would be a start. All NHS staff require an increased insight and training about the consequences of physical illness complicated with dementia.