Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40159476›Full record

ArticleBMC palliative care2025

When life is lived with dignity and decline: integration of rehabilitation and palliation in dementia care - a case report.

Kristoffer Marsaa, May Bjerre Eiby, Mikkel Ibsen, Martin Schultz

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in BMC palliative care, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Kristoffer MarsaaDagmarsminde, Græsted, Denmark. marsaa@dadlnet.dk.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7366-7533
May Bjerre EibyDagmarsminde, Græsted, Denmark.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0007-6113-0190
Mikkel IbsenDagmarsminde, Græsted, Denmark.
Martin SchultzDepartment of geriatrics, Amager and Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1259-645X

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe loss of meaning in life often underpins a desire to die, while rediscovering purpose and forming relationships can restore the will to live. This pursuit of meaning and the ability to express one's identity are central to both rehabilitation and palliative care. This case report examines the integration of these care principles within the framework of "Omsorg," a Danish word and concept of care rooted in genuine acts of kindness, as implemented at Dagmarsminde, a nursing home for residents with moderate to severe dementia. CASE PRESENTATION: Kirsten, an 86-year-old woman with advanced dementia, moved to Dagmarsminde in 2020. Upon arrival, she retained some mobility but exhibited limited facial expressions and impaired language. Her care plan emphasized deprescription, authentic surroundings, and "Omsorg," fostering engagement and reducing reliance on pharmaceuticals. This integrated approach combined rehabilitation to improve her physical skills and independence with palliative care to support her search for meaning and dignity in daily life. Following a pelvic fracture in 2023, Kirsten underwent tailored rehabilitation, regaining her ability to walk before her condition deteriorated due to dementia progression. In her final stages, Dagmarsminde prioritized dignity and comfort, employing minimal doses of opioids and benzodiazepines to alleviate suffering. Kirsten passed away peacefully in November 2024, surrounded by her family.

conclusionsDagmarsminde's holistic care philosophy integrates rehabilitation, palliative care, and "Omsorg" to empower residents in expressing their identity and engaging in a meaningful community. By prioritizing authenticity, individualized care, and acts of kindness, this approach fosters dignity and well-being throughout life and in its final stages. The case of Kirsten highlights the profound impact of personalized care in affirming an individual's significance, even amid the cognitive and physical challenges of dementia.

Indexed as

DementiaPalliative CarePersonhoodRehabilitationRespectAged, 80 and overFemaleHumansNursing Homes

Identifiers

PMID40159476
PMCPMC11956416

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.