[Dementia--a secondary diagnosis in acute hospital care or more? Measures for improving care of hospitalized dementia patients].

More and more people with dementia need acute care. However, a stay in the hospital involves severe risks for these patients: insufficient treatment, complications and a considerable emotional strain. A model project in Northrhine-Westfalia provides acute care hospitals with measures to improve the care of patients with dementia. This article presents the conceptual results of the project referring to three fields: discharge and networking, medical treatment and general ward setting. Finally, the article points out some implications of the rising number of old age patients on health politics and research.