Barry Aveyard examines the sometimes complex issue of how the educational needs of professional carers of people with dementia might be best facilitated.

An examination of the work of educational establishments and various independent bodies associated with the provision of dementia care suggests that there is an increasing number of courses being provided for those working in the field of dementia care. However, a review of the available literature suggests that there is a limited amount published on the best ways to approach planning and implementation in dementia care. One of the problems may be the diversity of professionals involved in the provision of care for people with dementia. It is no longer the case that the field is predominantly in the domain of qualified mental health nurses.