We recommend that job descriptions that clearly define the roles and responsibilities of both RGNs and CAs are developed so that caregivers at all levels understand each others' roles and work together to co-ordinate, plan and provide residents' care.

Drawing on a sample of 76 nurses from two health authorities working in acute medical or acute care of elderly patient wards, a quantitative approach was taken to compare their attitudes. A questionnaire which identified possible predictors of attitude, knowledge about older people (via a modified Palmore's Facts on Ageing Quiz) and attitudinal disposition (via Kogan's Old People Scale) was distributed. Results indicated a statistically significant difference (P = 0.03) in attitudes, with elderly care nurses scoring more favourably. Factors which might explain such a finding are identified, namely post-basic gerontological education, age of respondent and knowledge of older people, and their relative influences discussed. Conclusions are based on the premise that any variation based on specialist area is unacceptable since care of older people is now within every nurse's remit, and suggested interventions are outlined.

Young-onset dementia (dementia in people under 65 years of age) remains an under-researched area of dementia care. As populations age in industrialized countries, dementia is set to increase: this includes dementias in younger people. Current estimates suggest there are over 15 000 younger people living with dementia in the UK, whilst dedicated services and research in this area remain limited. Younger people may be affected by rarer forms of dementia that can create various kinds of impairment in the individual. For example, as Boxer and Miller report, although memory can be affected, people with conditions such as frontotemporal dementia can present initially with personality changes as the primary symptom. Younger people may also have more difficulties with visuospatial and semantic tasks when compared with an person, and there are likely to be personal and societal implications for the entire family.