Dementia

Latest release
Cause of death certification guide
Cite
Reference period
Australia
Released
2/10/2024
Next release Unknown
First release

Certification of dementia

When certifying deaths due to dementia:

  • If the type or cause of dementia is known this must be specified on the death certificate e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, dementia due to alcohol abuse. 
  • If the type or cause of dementia is unknown document this as 'unspecified dementia'.

Mixed dementia

If two or more types of dementia have contributed to the death, ensure both are specified on the death certificate. The following two examples show how mixed dementia may be certified. 

Example of a completed Medical Certificate of Cause of Death demonstrating certification of mixed Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

Example of a completed Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The certificate contains 6 lines for completion separated into two parts. Part 1, line A for the disease or condition leading directly to death. Part 1 lines B, C, D and E for antecedent causes which are morbid conditions, if any, giving rise to the above cause, stating the underlying condition last. Part 2 of the certificate is a single line for other significant conditions contributing to the death but not directly related to the disease or condition causing it. For both Part 1 and Part 2 there is a column to record the approximate interval between onset and death for the conditions on each line. 

The certificate is filled out as follows: 

  • Part 1(a): Aspiration pneumonia. Approximate interval between onset and death: 5 days
  • Part 1(b): Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Approximate interval between onset and death: 6 years
  • Parts 1(c), 1(d) and 1(e): Blank. Approximate interval between onset and death: Blank
  • Part 2: Bedbound, recurrent infections from pressure sores. Approximate interval between onset and death: 4 months, 4 months
Example of a completed Medical Certificate of Cause of Death demonstrating certification of mixed Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia.

Example of a completed Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The certificate contains 6 lines for completion separated into two parts. Part 1, line A for the disease or condition leading directly to death. Part 1 lines B, C, D and E for antecedent causes which are morbid conditions, if any, giving rise to the above cause, stating the underlying condition last. Part 2 of the certificate is a single line for other significant conditions contributing to the death but not directly related to the disease or condition causing it. For both Part 1 and Part 2 there is a column to record the approximate interval between onset and death for the conditions on each line. 

The certificate is filled out as follows: 

  • Part 1(a): Staphylococcus aureus urosepsis. Approximate interval between onset and death: 1 day
  • Part 1(b): Urinary tract infection from indwelling catheter. Approximate interval between onset and death: 2 weeks
  • Part 1(b): Urinary retention. Approximate interval between onset and death: 2 months
  • Part 1(d): Mixed dementia: Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia. Approximate interval between onset and death: 10 years
  • Part 1(e): Blank. Approximate interval between onset and death: Blank
  • Part 2: Delirium. Approximate interval between onset and death: 7 days