Living and dying with dementia

Dialogues about palliative care

NEIL SMALL author Katherine Dr Froggatt author Murna Downs author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Oxford University Press

Published:6th Sep '07

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Living and dying with dementia cover

Improvements in health care in the 21st century mean people are living longer, but with the paradox that chronic illness is increasingly prevalent. Dementia, a term used to describe various different brain disorders that involve a loss of brain function that is usually progressive and eventually severe, is a condition associated with an ageing population and is becoming increasingly common. Worldwide there are approximately 24 million people with dementia, expected to rise to 81 million by 2040. Inevitably, people living with dementia will die, but their needs at the end of life are not well known. This book describes what might be achieved if the values and best practice of both dementia care and palliative care are brought together, to achieve quality end of life care for this specific group of patients. It explores what is known about the experience of dying with dementia, using a narrative approach, and develops a model that draws together a 'person-centred' approach to care. The book examines the possibilities and the challenges faced when trying to improve quality of life for people with dementia, and presents examples of good practice from across the world.

This is a work that will be a major influence in dementia and the authors are to be congratulated for illuminating the way forward. * Physical Therapy Reviews *
The authors consider many strands of living with or caring for people with dementia. The philosophical arguments concerning 'quality of life' are riveting and present a compelling discussion of what an individual's life is worth. The book should be read by everyone. * Medical Book Awards *
I, for one, often feel inadequate when confronted with a patient with significant dementia, because so much of what I am used to doing relies on two-way communication. This book explores what is known about the experience of dying with dementia, including accounts from patients and carers...a useful resource for those who deal with patients with dementia and for palliative care workers whose practice brings them into contact with these patients. * Roger Woodruff *

  • Winner of Joint winner of the first prize on the New Non-Clinical Medical Book category - Royal Society of Medicine and Society of Authors Medical Book Awards 2008.

ISBN: 9780198566878

Dimensions: 233mm x 156mm x 15mm

Weight: 404g

262 pages