Hospice care can benefit Alzheimer's patients

The recent death of Tom Magliozzi, co-host of NPR's popular show "Car Talk," from complications of Alzheimer's disease is a reminder that dementia is a terminal illness. While Alzheimer's is just one type of dementia, it accounts for at least 60 percent to 80 percent of all dementia cases, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

People don't often think of Alzheimer's as a terminal condition, but it is a crippling affliction that slowly robs the brain of its ability to direct normal bodily function. Now the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S., it accounts for more than 500,000 deaths each year.

An unfortunate consequence of not recognizing Alzheimer's as a life-ending illness is the missed opportunity to tap into the strong, established resource of hospice care, designed specifically to assist patients facing terminal illnesses and their families. Millions of people in this country, most often spouses or adult children, serve as caregivers for family members with Alzheimer's disease. Often, this caregiving is physically, psychologically and financially draining. Hospice care, a Medicare benefit, can help.

While hospice is a good fit for most families caring for people with terminal illnesses, it can be a particularly good choice of care for Alzheimer's and other patients with dementia. Family members of someone with dementia grieve not only the loss of the person they know, but ultimately the death of someone they don't know. Hospice care teams understand this special loss, and they are available for a year after the death to help family members cope.

Caring for a family member with Alzheimer's or a related dementia is a reality for millions of Americans now. Hospice care can lift a heavy burden off a caregiver's shoulders and help someone who is dying enjoy peace, comfort and dignity.

Amy Tucci

President and CEO

Hospice Foundation of America

Washington, D.C.