Marie Curie responds to Alzheimer’s Society research on end of life care for people with dementia

'My Life Until The End: Dying Well With Dementia' highlights how people with dementia are not dying in the place they want to, with their families unaware of their end of life wishes.

Dr Jane Collins, Chief Executive of Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: "We support this important report by the Alzheimer’s Society, which highlights a lack of choice and access to good end of life care for people with dementia. We know that the end of life care needs of people with dementia and their carers are poorly understood at present, but the number of people dying with dementia will increase considerably in the coming years.

"The fact that only 6 per cent of people with dementia currently die at home is worrying because research shows that people with dementia could be treated more appropriately and cost effectively at home or in a familiar place of care, rather than unfamiliar hospital surroundings. Marie Curie is focused on ensuring that more people with dementia and other terminal illnesses are cared for in the community and we need to address the barriers to equitable care for everyone now.

"Our Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Unit at University College London are carrying out research into the health and social care needs of people with advanced dementia and the current end of life care provision for them and their carers. The findings will feed into a new model of care to improve end of life experiences of people with dementia and their carers."

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