End Stage Dementia Pathway available now on HealthPathways SA

Country SA PHN Newsletter April 2025

Dementia is a life-limiting condition and end-stage dementia (also called advanced dementia) is defined as dementia that has a prognosis of less than 12 months.

Recognising and communicating that the patient has entered end‑stage dementia can improve timely access to palliative care management and services, however reliably estimating remaining lifetime is often challenging.

HealthPathways SA has recently localised end stage dementia to complement their very popular cognitive impairment and dementia pathway. 

The pathway supports GPs to effectively manage patients with end stage dementia in conjunction with palliative care services if required. 

Consider using this End Stage Dementia Pathway to support goals of care in end‑stage dementia, such as improving and maintaining comfort, and ensuring patients and their carers are well informed and have access to resources.

“Recognising, preparing for, and managing the end-stages of dementia can be challenging for patients, families and primary care clinicians. This pathway provides guidance, resources and evidence-based strategies for assessing and managing persons within the last stages of this complex disease.” Dr Anna Billington (GP Clinical Editor)

Login to HealthPathways is free and available to all South Australian health professionals. 

HealthPathways SA is a partnership between SA Health, Adelaide PHN and Country SA PHN. 

Published on: April 9, 2025