Related Experiment Videos
Palliative care for people with dementia
1Research Department of Mental Health Sciences, University College Medical School, Hampstead Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London, UK. e.sampson@medsch.ucl.ac.uk
British Medical Bulletin
|August 3, 2010
Summary
Dementia is a terminal illness with poor end-of-life care access. More research is needed on palliative care effectiveness for dementia patients and their families.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Palliative Care
- Neurology
Background:
- Dementia prevalence is rising, with one in three seniors dying with the condition.
- Advanced dementia is increasingly viewed as a terminal illness, comparable to advanced cancer in symptom burden and prognosis.
- Individuals with dementia often experience inadequate access to high-quality end-of-life care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current end-of-life care practices for people with dementia.
- To identify gaps in research regarding palliative care interventions for advanced dementia.
- To assess the evidence for interventions like enteral feeding in dementia.
Main Methods:
- A PubMed search was conducted using MeSH terms for 'dementia' and 'palliative care', including specific terms like 'enteral feeding'.
- National reports, UK guidelines, and relevant policies were also reviewed.
- Literature was analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of current interventions and the need for further research.
Main Results:
- Interventions such as antibiotics, fever management policies, and enteral tube feeding are frequently used despite limited evidence of improving quality of life or outcomes.
- There is a significant disparity between the perception of advanced dementia as a terminal illness and the provision of appropriate palliative care.
- Current practices may not align with the needs of individuals with advanced dementia or their families.
Conclusions:
- Further research is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of holistic palliative care models in dementia.
- Outcome measures for palliative care in dementia require further development and validation.
- The impact of end-of-life care decisions on carers and families of people with dementia needs comprehensive investigation.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Continuing Care
Continuing care describes the variety of health, personal, and social services provided over a prolonged period. The need for continuing care is increasing because people are living longer. Many people do not have families or others to care for them. Continuing care is mainly for patients who are disabled, functionally dependent, or suffering from a terminal disease. It is available within institutional settings or in homes. Examples include nursing centers or facilities, assisted living,...
01:30Dementia
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
01:30Ethical Dilemmas II
Resolving an ethical dilemma in healthcare involves a systematic approach that considers every aspect of the issue, respecting both the patient's needs and values and the healthcare professional's ethical obligations. Here are potential steps to resolve an ethical dilemma: