Palliative Care for those dying with Dementia

An estimated 33.9 million people are living with dementia worldwide, the overall estimated median survival time from onset of dementia to death is 4.1 years for men and 4.6 years for women, with longer survival times in those... [ view full abstract ]

An estimated 33.9 million people are living with dementia worldwide, the overall estimated median survival time from onset of dementia to death is 4.1 years for men and 4.6 years for women, with longer survival times in those with early onset dementia. Much has been discussed about the needs of this vulnerable group of people particularly in terms of their health care and end of life care needs, however literature suggests that people with end stage dementia are still not receiving adequate or appropriate end of life care. Difficulty diagnosing dementia, a stigma surrounding the disease, lack of education of the dementia disease process and the ability to identify complications encountered at end stage dementia by health care providers, families and carers are some of the factors preventing those with dementia receiving effective end of life care. Great strides have been made to improve dementia palliative care, however this cohort of patients still receive fewer referrals to appropriate palliative care services than other terminally ill patients.


Key Words
Dementia, Palliative care, Unmet needs, undiagnosed, a good death