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Outlook

The outlook for most types of dementia is poor. Irreversible or untreated dementia usually continues to worsen over time. The condition usually progresses over years until the person's death.

Making decisions about end-of-life care is important.

• The earlier in the disease these issues are discussed, the more likely the person with dementia will be able to express his or her wishes about medical care at the end of life.
  
  
• The issues may be presented by your health care provider. If not, ask about them.
  
  
• These issues include use of aggressive interventions and hospital care, artificial feeding, and medical treatment for medical illnesses.
  
  
• These issues should be discussed by family members and decisions made about how to deal with them when the time comes.
  
  
• The decisions should be documented in the person's medical records.