In late-stage dementia, care focus shifts primarily to what?

• A. Curing the disease
• B. Maintaining mobility
• C. Comfort and quality of life
• D. Long-term memory rehabilitation

Answer: (C)

In late-stage dementia, the primary care focus is on comfort and quality of life. As the disease advances, there are no treatments that reverse it, so the goal shifts to reducing suffering and maintaining dignity. This means prioritizing symptom relief (pain, agitation, difficulty swallowing, sleep disturbances), ensuring basic needs are met (nutrition, hydration if possible, skin and mouth care), preventing complications, and creating routines that minimize confusion and distress. Supporting meaningful interactions and honoring the person’s preferences and comfort become central, along with helping families cope and make end-of-life decisions. Curing the disease or reversing memory loss isn’t feasible at this stage, and rehabilitation of long-term memory or a primary aim to restore mobility are not the main priorities.