[What should be done and not done throughout the process of dementia? Dialogue and aid]

Because dementia is a powerful predictor of dependence, people with this disease are those that live longest with disability. Dementia is the chronic disease provoking the greatest dependence at 12, 24, and 36 months after diagnosis, ahead of other diseases such as stroke, Parkinson's disease and cardiovascular disease. Many of us are aware of the devastating consequences of dementia, but few know how to recognize the symptoms in the initial phases. To rectify this situation, increased public information and training for health professionals is required. To improve the care of the distinct phases of dementia, progress must be made in three areas: dementia must be considered a public health priority, the erroneous belief that nothing can be done for patients with a diagnosis of dementia must be combatted and, finally, no less importantly, knowledge of how to recognize incipient dementia must be acquired. People with dementia less frequently receive palliative care than patients with cancer, despite clearly sharing the need for care in the advances stages of the disease and frequent requests by relatives and carers. In summary, action can be taken to improve the early diagnosis of dementia and the care of the distinct phases of the disease, thus delaying and/or minimizing dependency. Finally, comfort measures at the end stage can be improved.