Abstract
ObjectiveTo explore how caregivers are involved in making treatment decisions for older people living with dementia and a new diagnosis of cancer.MethodA systematic review of PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was conducted. Studies recruiting formal or informal caregivers for older people with dementia and a diagnosis of cancer were considered for inclusion.ResultsOf 1761 articles screened, 36 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and six were included in the review. This review has identified that health care professionals (HCPs) are often unaware of the coexistence or severity of dementia in cancer patients, and therefore fail to properly address care needs as a result. While caregivers are relied on to help make decisions, they have unmet information needs and feel excluded from decision‐making.ConclusionTreatment decision making in the context of older adults with dementia and a new diagnosis of cancer needs further research. This will help HCPs to understand their needs and improve the experience of decision making for both caregivers and the people that they care for.
Highlights
Over the past 25 years, there has been a substantial growth in the older adult population, who represent the fastest growing demographic in the United Kingdom.[1]
Caregivers in McWilliams and colleagues' study highlighted the uncertainties around taking consent from people with dementia to undergo clinical investigations and the level of responsibility expected from caregivers.[30]
Cancer diagnostic investigations were often delayed due to the combination of limited health care professionals (HCPs) awareness of memory problems and a failure to detect the signs associated with dementia.[28]
Summary
Over the past 25 years, there has been a substantial growth in the older adult population, who represent the fastest growing demographic in the United Kingdom.[1] Older adults are living much longer with advanced stages of age‐related comorbidities, such as cognitive impairment, and have an increased vulnerability to age‐related disease and cancers. The global incidence of dementia is approximately 10 million new cases each year,[2] with around 850 000 people diagnosed with some form of dementia in the United Kingdom.[3] The demographic outlook suggests that by 2021 an estimated 1 000 000 people will be living with some form of dementia. Advancing age is a significant risk factor for cancer, with over half of all cancers being diagnosed in the over 70 age group each year in the United Kingdom.[4]. The scope of dementia impacts so much more than just memory; it can impair
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