Abstract Body

An important reason to secure a timely diagnosis when dementia is suspected is to offer people with dementia and their loved ones the opportunity to prepare for an uncertain future and to make arrangements for future (clinical) care. Advance Care Planning (ACP) can assist in this process.

The presentation will first examine how ACP differs from - and responds to the dilemmas and limitations of advance directives. Next, it will present the various underlying goals of ACP: respecting patient autonomy, improving quality of care, strenghtening relationships, preparing for the end of life, and preventing crisis decision-making and overtreatment. Finally, the challenges dementia poses to the content and process of ACP as a consequence of the progressive loss of decision-making ability will be discussed.

References:

Hertogh CMPM. The misleading simplicity of advance directives. International Psychogeriatrics 2011; 23 (4): 511-5.

Fleuren N, Depla MFIA, Janssen DJA, Huisman M, Hertogh CMPM. Underlying goals of advance care planning (ACP): a qualitative analysis of the literature. BMC Palliative Care 2020; 19:27.