In the past, when people with dementia developed challenging behaviours and staff sought advice from senior nursing and medical staff, the response was often to prescribe a class of drugs known as neuroleptics or anti-psychotic drugs. We now know that these drugs are overprescribed and have the potential to harm people and worsen dementia ( Banerjee, 2009 ; Shah et al, 2011 ). This article aims to provide readers with information to enable them to feel more confident about caring for people who display behaviours that are considered challenging. Achieving a level of confidence in dealing with such behaviour is important in light of the findings of Edvardsson and colleagues (2008) , that residents had higher levels of behavioural problems when surrounded by stressed staff. Staff who understand why people with dementia display such behaviours can work to reduce problems and provide care that is tailored to the needs of the person with dementia.