Psychiatry of the elderly

Abstract

This chapter describes the ethical issues that arise in the setting of mental illness, and particularly dementia, in old age. It affirms the importance of understanding each older person as an individual, embedded in a unique history and in relationships which sustain their identity even in the face of cognitive decline. Autonomy and paternalism are discussed, and the alternative concept of ‘parentalism’ introduced. Decision-making capacity and competence are extensively analysed from both philosophical and practical viewpoints, with particular reference to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and to mechanisms for decision-making for noncompetent patients. Topics briefly treated include predictive diagnosis and mild cognitive impairment, end-of-life care, truth telling, sexuality, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The text is aimed at old age psychiatrists and other practitioners in the field, as well as at those with an interest in ethical issues in old age.