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Palliative care for people with dementia
Suzanne Timmons1, Siobhan Fox2
1Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Geriatric Medicine, Mercy University Hospital & St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|January 4, 2023
Summary
Palliative care is crucial for people with dementia, a terminal illness impacting millions globally. Addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, alongside family support, is key for comprehensive dementia care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Dementia affects 55 million worldwide, often unrecognized as a terminal illness.
- Palliative care is essential for individuals with dementia and their families.
- Comprehensive care requires addressing physical, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Approach:
- This chapter reviews key issues in dementia palliative care.
- It emphasizes anticipating and managing symptoms based on dementia type and stage.
- It highlights the integral role of families as part of the care unit and team.
Key Points:
- Challenges include delayed diagnoses, symptom prognostication difficulties, and communication barriers.
- Individuals with dementia have a low threshold for medication side effects.
- Service models for dementia palliative care in various settings are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Person-centered palliative care is vital for individuals with dementia and their families.
- Addressing individual needs ensures quality of life until death.
- Effective dementia palliative care requires a holistic and integrated approach.
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