Evidence-based approach to management of fever in patients with end-stage dementia

J Palliat Med. 2003 Jun;6(3):351-4. doi: 10.1089/109662103322144664.

Abstract

Alzheimer's dementia and related dementias are incurable illnesses for which curative treatment currently does not exist, and the efficacy of remittive treatment is extremely limited. Persons with advanced dementia commonly develop fever and are at high risk for death. We preformed a systematic review of outcome following fever in patients with advanced Alzheimer's dementia and developed evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of fever in this population of patients. We use a case example to illustrate our discussion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Dementia / complications*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Fever / etiology
  • Fever / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Palliative Care*