title: Management of end-stage dementia.
abstract: Dementia is a progressive and noncurable illness, and its management in late stages should follow a palliative care approach. However, many patients with advanced dementia sustain aggressive interventions that do not improve their survival and might hinder their comfort and quality of life. This is likely explained by a lack of research on this population; a lack of knowledge from health care providers, patients, and family members; and lack of communication between those caring for these patients. There is therefore an urgent need for research and education on this topic, as well as palliative care services devoted to this population.
authors.affiliation: Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, 4565 Queen-Mary, Montreal, QC, Canada. david.lussier@mcgill.ca
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lussier
authors.forename: Marie-Andrée
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Bruneau
authors.forename: Juan Manuel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Villalpando
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D032722:Advance Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications; D018529:Nutritional Support; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015995:Prevalence; D019452:Terminally Ill; D014481:United States