The Importance of Palliative Care for Persons with Dementia
An editorial in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society describes the growing rate of dementia, as a result of extended life expectancy and treatments for serious illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease. Authors, Karen A. Blackstone, MD, and Elizabeth L. Cobbs, MD, explain the importance of palliative care for patients and families living with dementia. They say, " Palliative care is a vital dimension of care for persons living with dementia and their families and should be a core component of dementia care from diagnosis."