Work

Panting for Breath in End-Stage Dementia

Year: 2023

Type: book-chapter

Abstract: When a person with advanced dementia develops respiratory symptoms, infection, pulmonary embolism, and heart failure are considerations. Pneumonia often has a high mortality rate and high symptom burden. While a decision to focus on palliative treatment is often appropriate, even with prior discussions families may experience considerable distress. Dyspnea can usually be controlled with opioids, typically morphine. Other symptoms, such as reduced oral intake and dehydration, pain, fever, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, are also discussed. The need for careful symptom monitoring, preferably with observation scales, and swift interventions to alleviate the symptom burden is highlighted. Family support and guidance on a daily basis are important treatment foci.

DOI: 10.1093/med/9780190098896.003.0013

Authors: Hermien W. Goderie-Plomp, Carole Parsons, David R. Mehr, Jenny T. van der Steen

Institutions: Queen's University Belfast, Radboud University Nijmegen, Leiden University Medical Center, Radboud University Medical Center, University of Missouri

Language: English

Topic: Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4367293536

FWCI:

Cites: 10

Cited by:

Related to: 10