Palliative and end of life care for people with advanced dementia

Despite growing understanding in recent years of the biological, psychological, social, environmental and spiritual aspects of dementia, people with advanced dementia continue to experience inequalities in accessing healthcare capable of improving their lives. The complexities of advanced dementia challenge professional competence and demand the highest level of skilled, compassionate care.

This article, the last in a series on living with advanced dementia, considers the status and direction of palliative care as it applies to people with dementia and explores contemporary issues regarding advanced dementia and end of life, with a focus on guidance for practitioners and support for best practice. It identifies that open communication, clear information and a person-centred approach adopted as early as possible in the syndrome can make this period less distressing. Crucially, people at the end of life should be offered care in line with best practice in palliative and end of life approaches.