Michael Gordon, MD, MSc, FRCPC, FRCP Edin, Medical Program Director, Palliative Care, Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System; Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
Natalie Baker, MSc, Project Coordinator, Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System, Toronto, On.

Abstract
Physicians and other health care providers have learned to approach end-of-life care issues in individuals suffering from malignant disease quite effectively. Palliative approaches are widely accepted for this population. In contrast, individuals suffering from end-stage dementia may also benefit from suitably tailored palliative care which is much less often considered or provided. It is incumbent on health care professionals responsible for treating those with end-stage dementia to offer palliative care. This must be preceded by proper discussions between afflicted individuals, their families and their health care providers to assure that they understand the progress and prognosis of end-stage dementia.
Keywords: dementia, palliative care, end-of-life care.

Dylan Harris, MBBCh(Hons), MRCP, DipPallMed, Specialist Registrar in Palliative Medicine, Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, UK.

Dementia is a progressive incurable illness. In the advanced stages of the disease, decisions need to be made whether to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment. This article reviews the principles of deciding a patient’s best interests when he or she lacks mental capacity, the role of advance statements, and principles for the practising physician to consider in common withholding/withdrawing treatment scenarios that arise in clinical practice, such as artificial feeding, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and antibiotics for pneumonia.
Key words: dementia, palliative care, withholding and withdrawing treatment, artificial feeding, resuscitation, antibiotics.

Sandy Buchman, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON; and McMaster University, Hamilton,ON; Palliative Care Physician, The Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care and The Baycrest Geriatric Health System, Toronto, ON.
Anthony Hung, MD, FRCPC, Fellow in Palliative Care, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
Hershl Berman, MD, FRCPC, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Staff Physician, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON; Associated Medical Services Fellow in End of Life Care Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.

The principle of “cradle-to-grave” care is fundamental to the discipline of family medicine. This includes palliative care. However, many physicians are not comfortable providing care at the end of life. Challenges include logistical support and proficiency and comfort in the specific skills required, such as pain and other symptom management. The following case presents an example of successful palliative care, provided in the primary care setting, from diagnosis of a life-threatening illness to death in a palliative care unit.
Key words: palliative care, end of life, primary care, family medicine, longitudinal care.

Wendy Duggleby, DSN, RN, AOCN, Associate Professor, College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK.
David Popkin, BSc, MD, CM, FRCSC, FSOGC, FACOG, Executive Director, Saskatoon Cancer Center; Head, Division of Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan; Head, Department of Oncology, Saskatoon Health Region, Saskatoon, SK.

What is it that patients at the end of life want to know? What is the best way to provide the information? A review of the scientific literature was conducted to answer these two questions. The findings suggested that, regardless of age or culture, patients at the end of life wanted information about their illness and prognosis. The expertise of the physician, his/her relationship with the patient, and the use of hopeful communication styles were important factors in how patients understood the information provided. Honest and factual communication fostered hope and quality of life at the end of life.
Key words: physician-patient communication, end of life, literature review, palliative care.

Hannah I. Lipman, MD, Hertzberg Palliative Care Institute, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Adult Development, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.

Diane E. Meier, MD, Hertzberg Palliative Care Institute, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Adult Development, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.

Nausea and vomiting are common problems in the care of the older palliative care patient. Depending on the population studied, incidence is as high as 60%. Distress associated with nausea and vomiting may be relieved in the majority of cases by careful determination of the underlying cause and selection of one or more antiemetic agents. Pathophysiology of nausea and vomiting involves complex interactions among multiple neurotransmitter systems. Antiemetic agents work via modulation of neurotransmitter signalling. Pharmacologic agents are reviewed and geriatric dosing recommendations are made.

Key words: palliative, end of life, geriatric, nausea, vomiting

Tara Morrison, MD and James R. Perry, MD, Crolla Family Brain Tumour Research Unit, Division of Neurology, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.

Primary brain tumours are most commonly diagnosed in elderly individuals and the incidence of these uniformly fatal malignancies is on the rise. Recent studies have shown that the most common of these tumours, the glioblastoma multiforme, is genetically different in elderly compared to younger patients. Current research studies exploiting the genetic differences of these tumours as anti-cancer targets hold promise for the immediate future. At present the focus of brain tumour treatment is excellent supportive care. Radiation treatment and chemotherapy are being actively revisited to maximize quality of life. In addition, complications such as venous thromboembolism, seizures and therapy-induced adverse effects have received much attention and are reviewed in this article.
Key words: brain neoplasms, glioblastoma multiforme, palliative care, chemotherapy.