Aminoff Suffering Syndrome: A Challenge for Medical and Nursing Staff during End-of-Life Care: Open Letter and Proposals

Abstract

The diagnosis of Aminoff Suffering Syndrome in advanced dementia determined by measuring the suffering level of patients according to the Mini Suffering State Examination (MSSE) scale —facilitates acceleration and intensity of care by the nursing staff in order to prevent and relieve suffering. Relief of Suffering Units for patients with Aminoff Suffering Syndrome should be an integral part of any medical department or nursing home that specializes in caring for elderly people. Aminoff Suffering Syndrome at the end of life could, and should be diagnosed, prevented and diminished. The treatment of patients with Aminoff Suffering Syndrome at the end of life is a genuine challenge for medical and nursing personnel. Our proposals for further experimental studies at the end of life are the diagnosis of Aminoff Suffering Syndrome in dying patients with cancer, AIDS, cardiac, pulmonary, kidney, liver and other terminal diseases. We recommend that such studies should be performed at all medical settings.