26 | Nursing in Practice | Autumn 2022
CLINICAL
The latest clinical guidance in general practice and community nursing nursingin practicelearning . co . uk
CLINICAL
Managing dementia
as a palliative condition
1.5 CPD HOURS
Key points
• It is important to recognise that dementia is a terminal , life-limiting condition
• A palliative approach is helpful at all stages of dementia , right from initial diagnosis
• The uncertain trajectory of dementia means it is vital to support a needs-based approach to end-of-life care
• Keeping ‘ eyes open ’ to the possibility a patient is moving towards the end of life is key ; look for signs of deterioration and consider using available tools to help plan care
• Supporting people with dementia and their families to think ahead and be aware of the options available to them can help to reduce their distress and avoid crisis situations
Dementia is a life-limiting condition There are 885,000 people with dementia in the UK and it remains the leading non-Covid cause of death in England and Wales . 1 , 2 One in three people over the age of 65 in the UK will die with or from dementia , 3 yet it is often not considered life limiting in clinical practice . People with dementia and their family carers often do not know it is a terminal condition , and how the term ‘ end of life ’ is defined and understood may vary . There also remains a significant stigma associated with dementia and a lack of understanding of the condition – for example , of which diseases can coexist with dementia and the uniqueness of each individual ’ s experience .
This learning module will explore the key issues surrounding these aspects of dementia and the importance of providing palliative care . It will help you :
• Understand the life-limiting nature of dementia .
• Improve your evidence-based knowledge of a palliative approach to its management .
• Understand what factors to consider as the condition progresses .
• Gain confidence in noticing changes as progression occurs and in managing uncertainty .
• Appreciate and address the needs of people affected by dementia and their family carers towards the end of life .
Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative condition and not a normal part of ageing , yet people
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