The summary reads; 

 "With an ageing population, the prevalence of dementia increases. Active medical and behavioral interventions in the early- to mid-stages are commendable. The end-of-life phase is often very challenging for patients, whānau and attending staff. Sensible palliative care can improve symptom burden, prevent under-treatment and over-treatment of symptoms with unnecessary and burdensome interventions, reduce caregiver burden and enhance caregiver quality of life.  

Recently, Pasifika Futures Ltd (PFL) conducted an interview with the Aotearoa Tongan Health Workers Association (ATHWA), who were running talanoa workshops aimed to educate and support those facing dementia or caring for loved ones with dementia.  

Tevita Vungamoeahi, alongside Dr Sione Vaka, discussed how dementia is a fairly new concept in the Pacific and navigating the journey of the diagnosis can be difficult for Pacific people. 

The Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRCNZ) shares some information; 

“There are no Pacific terms for dementia. The ageing Pacific population will see a 2.5-fold increase in those aged 65+ by 2026. Along with ageing, there will be more Pacific older people with dementia; however, Western cognition tools are not accurate and appropriate for assessing Pacific people's cognition problems”. 

Most cases of dementia are irreversible, so Mcleod’s article suggests sensible palliative care that can help both patient and those in the caregiver position is an important aspect to consider when regarding the future and well-being of people with dementia.  

The NZMJ is open access and Mcleod’s full viewpoint article can be read here by any member of the public https://nzmj.org.nz/journal/vol-137-no-1603/dying-with-and-of-dementia