Care for the Dying Person with Motor Neurone Disease

Neuropalliative Care: The intersection between the Neurologist and the Palliative Care team with a focus on Motor Neurone Disease

Dr Peter Allcroft BMBS FRACP FAChPM  M Pall Care

Palliative care literature has traditionally focused on people with a malignancy. People with a neurological illness have unique needs, particularly around communication, prognosis and psychosocial concerns.  The early loss of an ability to communicate, the uncertainty of prognosis and the immense psychological and existential distress, mandate a palliative approach to their care.  There is an urgent need for the close collaboration, cooperation and exchange of knowledge between neurology and palliative care specialists to enable the best palliative care for people with an advanced neurological illness.

This presentation will explore ways to address the significant gaps in care and to explore the challenging issues of withdrawal of artificial nutrition and/or ventilation for people with advanced Motor Neurone Disease, the timing, discussion and process.