Addressing Decision Making on End of Life Care for People with Dementia

Abstract

Dementia affects approximately 36 million people worldwide and the number living with dementia is expected to increase to 66 million by 2030 [1]. Dementia is recognised as a public health priority which urgently needs attention by the World Health Organisation [2]. Despite recent national and international policy initiatives, people with dementia continue to receive invasive treatment such as artificial nutrition and hydration and inadequate care towards the end of their lives [3]. In our scoping review of decision making and advanced care planning for people with dementia, we outline some of the challenges of decision making that people with people with dementia, their families and health professionals face in talking about a complex and sensitive issue.