Back to Search Start Over

Communication in dementia care.

Authors :
Chmelik E
Emtman R
Borisovskaya A
Borson S
Source :
Neurodegenerative disease management [Neurodegener Dis Manag] 2016 Dec; Vol. 6 (6), pp. 479-490. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Nov 18.
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative illness that affects a growing number of older adults in our country. We discuss ways to improve the management of persons with dementia within current healthcare models. Specifically, we argue that structured communication at regular intervals is essential for dementia care at all phases of illness. We emphasize the need for a single healthcare provider to take on a central role in organizing communication between patient, family and other healthcare providers in the outpatient setting. We also emphasize the need for healthcare providers to begin conversations about prognosis, care transitions and end of life early while balancing these difficult conversations with a hopeful attitude of realistic optimism that the disease can be managed.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1758-2032
Volume :
6
Issue :
6
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Neurodegenerative disease management
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
27855537
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2217/nmt-2016-0019