The Open Geriatric Medicine Journal

2008, 1 : 29-32
Published online 2008 November 12. DOI: 10.2174/1874827900801010029
Publisher ID: TOGERIMJ-1-29

End-Stage Dementia: Aminoff Suffering Syndrome and Relief of Suffering Units

Bechor Z. Aminoff
Geriatric Division, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel; and Human Suffering and Satisfaction Research Center, Shamay 26, El-Ad 40800, Israel.

ABSTRACT

Aminoff suffering syndrome (ASS) in advanced dementia is the new proposed term for a pathological symptomatology and entity that is characterized by a high Mini Suffering State Examination (MSSE) scale score, <6 months survival, irreversible and intractable aggravation of suffering and medical condition until demise.

This paper proffers a new, alternative approach and setting for end-stage dementia (ESD) patients with ASS that could pertain to the Israeli setting, and could possibly also be applicable in other countries. Short hospitalization periods of approximately 1 month, and treatment in Relief of Suffering Units may be a new, palliative approach and present a possible solution for coping with the horrendous burden of the anguish of end-of-life dementia patients, their families, and the medical and nursing staff.

Keywords:

End-stage dementia, Aminoff suffering syndrome, relief of suffering units.