Dementia Care at End of Life: Current Approaches

Purpose of Review Dementia is a progressive and life-limiting condition that can be described in three stages: early, middle, and late. This article reviews current literature on late-stage dementia. Recent Findings Survival times may vary across dementia subtypes. Yet, the overall trajectory is cha...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current psychiatry reports 2018-07, Vol.20 (7), p.50-50, Article 50
Main Authors: Bartley, Mairead M., Suarez, Laura, Shafi, Reem M. A., Baruth, Joshua M., Benarroch, Amanda J. M., Lapid, Maria I.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Caregivers
Dementia - therapy
Geriatric Disorders (W McDonald
Humans
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Palliative Care
Psychiatry
Quality of Life
Section Editor
Terminal Care - methods
Topical Collection on Geriatric Disorders
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Summary:Purpose of Review Dementia is a progressive and life-limiting condition that can be described in three stages: early, middle, and late. This article reviews current literature on late-stage dementia. Recent Findings Survival times may vary across dementia subtypes. Yet, the overall trajectory is characterized by progressive decline until death. Ideally, as people with dementia approach the end of life, care should focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. However, barriers prevent optimal end-of-life care in the final stages of dementia. Summary Improved and earlier advanced care planning for persons with dementia and their caregivers can help delineate goals of care and prepare for the inevitable complications of end-stage dementia. This allows for timely access to palliative and hospice care, which ultimately improves dementia end-of-life care.
ISSN:1523-3812
1535-1645
DOI:10.1007/s11920-018-0915-x