Dementia in life writing: our health care system in the words of the sufferer

Alzheimer's disease as the most common neurodegenerative disorder places enormous financial demands on our society that is increasingly focussed on the cost-effectiveness of treatment and care. The present article reflects on central information drawn from four autobiographical texts written by patients in the early stage of dementia, elucidating their needs relating to, first, the medication they rely on and, second, the importance of a healthy doctor-patient relationship. Their comments and feelings are placed in the context of clinical practice and current health care policy pertaining to our dealing with dementia, thus, contributing to ongoing discussions relating to the suitability of current health care structures in view of challenging demographic changes.