Dying with and of dementia.

Aim: With an ageing population the prevalence of dementia increases. A healthcare crisis is looming.

Method: Dementia is a terminal condition. The latter, end-of-life phase of this disorder can be very challenging to manage. Patients, whānau and staff may struggle.

Results: Clinical recognition of this phase may be difficult. Determining the appropriateness of medical interventions or palliation, likewise. The clinical load on the acute public hospital services is unbearable. The resources in the aged residential care services are limited.

Conclusions: A pragmatic and reasoned palliative approach by all professionals in the area is advocated.