Decision-making in older people with dementia

Abstract

Dementia is a syndrome characterized by a progressive impairment in cognition, function and behaviour, with a considerable burden in terms of health and social care, and economic costs. As Alzheimer's disease and other dementias advance, the patient's capacity, competence and possibility of participation in decision-making decrease. Key points in managing people with dementia include screening of cognitive impairment, neuropsychological assessment, laboratory tests and neuroimaging, genetic tests, informed consent, inclusion in clinical trials and discussion of advance directives, driving, managing finances and testamentary capacity, pharmolocogical and non-pharmacological treatment and also palliative and end-of-life care. In this article we review these crucial points in decision-making for people with dementia and their families and caregivers.