End of life care
Dementia is a progressive and incurable condition; about 60,000 deaths each year are directly attributable to dementia.
Dementia is often associated with other care needs and people with dementia (and their carers) have been shown to have palliative care needs equal to patients with cancer.
Therefore, although it is not easy, it is good to start the conversations about end of life support early enough to ensure the person you look after receives appropriate palliative care when it is needed. You can always revisit things later on.
Remember, you are not alone – help and support is available. Find a local support group, or service, on our interactive map of services.