A Case of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Where a Court-appointed Legal Guardian Submitted the Death Notification on Behalf of a Mother with Dementia

Abstract

Introduction: This case involves a death notification submitted by the legal guardian of a patient’s mother, who had dementia, following the death of the patient from nasopharyngeal cancer. Case: The patient was a 61-year-old man diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer with central nervous system invasion. Prior to his illness, he had not held a steady job and relied heavily on personal support services in his daily life. Although he was alert upon admission, his condition deteriorated without initiating guardianship procedures for his mother, who was his only relative and had dementia. As the disease progressed, he developed higher brain dysfunction and decreased consciousness. In response, the family court appointed a legal guardian for his mother. At the time of the patient’s death, this guardian submitted the death notification on her behalf. Conclusion: This case highlights the growing importance of the adult guardianship system in light of the increasing number of elderly individuals living alone or with cognitive impairments such as dementia.