Advance care planning in dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia can slowly make it harder for people to make decisions. This means it is important to talk early about what care they would like in the future. This is advance care planning (ACP).
This review looked at ways to help people with dementia and their family carers feel more ready to have these conversations.
The review found that ACP worked best when it used several approaches together. These included:
- Talking with a trained healthcare professional about future care.
- Giving people clear information and education.
- Using tools that help people think through their choices step by step.
- Having ACP conversations more than once, rather than treating them as a one-off discussion.
- Using a supportive and respectful communication style.
Some approaches worked better for some people than others, and the results were not always the same over time.
The review also found that the relationship with the person leading the conversation is important. Healthcare professionals need to choose the right time, listen carefully, and use communication methods that help people feel comfortable taking part.
What this means
The main message is that people with dementia and their families may be more prepared to plan for future care when they receive good information, supportive conversations and practical tools.
ACP should be personalised to each person’s needs and wishes. Healthcare professionals should also receive training in how to have these sensitive conversations.
van der Nulft V, Stoppelenburg A, van Vliet LM, van der Steen JT, van der Linden YM. Communication strategies for improving readiness for advance care planning in dementia: A systematic review. J Alzheimers Dis. 2026 Jun 26;112(4):13872877261461216. doi: 10.1177/13872877261461216. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42360075; PMCID: PMC13433894.
←