Why you should read this article:• To recognise that evidence about the required leadership skills to improve advanced dementia care is scant• To identify the challenges in ensuring all nurses are not only equipped with specialist knowledge and skills in advanced dementia care, but also the leadership skills to implement such care• To be aware of educational and training opportunities for leadership in advanced dementia careThis article, part of a series in Nursing Older People exploring the nursing care of people living with advanced dementia, considers learning and leadership. It outlines learning opportunities about advanced dementia and what developments are needed. The need for strong leadership at all levels and settings is explored along with the challenges of educating those who care for the person with advanced dementia. It also outlines educational opportunities and programmes before illustrating how one nurse leads advanced dementia care in practice.