Some say that memories sustain them as death approaches.

Posted by chrisbayne @chrisbayne, May 13 1:05pm

Memories can ease the time as death approaches. Does this mean that dementia patients (in general) lack that comfort as they approach death?

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dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | May 14 7:06am

@chrisbayne
My understanding is dementia patients tend to remember more of the past than the present because they struggle with short term memory and storing new information. Toward the end of life, they may appreciate talking about the past and having others share memories, pictures, music they enjoyed in the past. Allowing them to repeat and relive these memories may be comforting.

1. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/recognising-when-someone-reaching-end-their-life
2. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-caregiving/care-last-stages-alzheimers-disease
3. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/end-stage-dementia-476542.htm
4. https://www.ummhealth.org/health-library/caring-for-end-stage-dementia
5. https://cbmm.bwh.harvard.edu/index.php/support-education/for-family-caregivers/end-of-life-with-dementia/