Palliative Care in Dementia

About this publication

This is an original, plain-language summary based on the abstract and bibliographic record on Hrcak. It is not a reproduction of the article or a full-text review.

This paper considers dementia as a progressive, life-limiting condition and asks how principles developed in hospice and palliative care might support people affected by it.

Approach

The authors discuss published literature on palliative care in dementia. They aim to clarify the evidence underlying the European Association for Palliative Care white paper on optimal palliative care for older people with dementia.

Main points

The paper highlights a historical imbalance in access to hospice care between people with cancer and those with other chronic conditions. It argues that lessons from hospice care may be relevant to dementia, provided they are adapted to the needs of this population.

Important limitations

This is a discussion of existing literature rather than a trial of a particular care programme. The abstract does not report a new patient cohort, measured benefits or a systematic-review method. Its description of access to care reflects the publication's 2015 context and should not be assumed to describe current services everywhere.

This summary is for academic information and is not personal medical advice.

Citation and original source

Falzon Aquilina F, Agius M. Palliative care in dementia. Psychiatria Danubina. 2015;27(Suppl 1):506-511.

Original publication record. View the abstract used for this summary.

Source reviewed: 6 November 2026.