Palliative Care for Patients with Advanced Dementia

Background In Germany, mainly patients with malignant disease have access to palliative care. For palliative care in patients with advanced dementia particular challenges have to be taken into account. Due to their cognitive impairment, patients with terminal dementia are very limited in their ability to express complaints and needs. When relatives act as carers or as surrogate decision makers for such patients they are often experiencing extreme stress. Materials and Methods A review of relevant books and papers on this topic is presented. Results This review sheds light on particular problems and potential solutions for palliative care in advanced dementia. Conclusions The implementation of current knowledge about palliative care in advanced dementia in daily practice is urgently needed. The required infrastructure should be provided. Further research and education are necessary.