July 2019 – Helping families understand a timeline for elders with dementia can relieve suffering and help with planning.
Dementia Mitchell Mortality Risk Index Score

Points/Risk factor

1.9 Complete dependence with ADLs
1.9 Male gender
1.7 Cancer
1.6 Congestive heart failure
1.6 O2 therapy needed w/in 14 day
1.5 Shortness of breath
1.5 <25% of food eaten at most meals 1.5 Unstable medical condition 1.5 Bowel incontinence 1.5 Bedfast 1.4 Age > 83 y
1.4 Not awake most of the day

Risk estimate of death within 6 months

Score/Risk %
0 8.9
1-2 10.8
3-5 23.2
6-8 40.4
9-11 57.0
= 12 70.0

A score of 9 or above suggests a patient is hospice eligible.

For more information contact Dr. Leslie Estep or Dr. Anita Meyer at Hospice of the Northwest,
360-814-5550, or lestep@hospicenw.org or ameyer@hospicenw.org