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 19 July 2008 15:47 BST

Consultation explores ethical dementia issues

Wednesday, 14 May 2008 09:07
The working party wants to inform policy on dementia care

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Complex ethical issues relating to dementia are to be explored by an independent body to develop guidance for care of people with the condition.

Dementia is a degenerative condition that causes memory problems, mood changes and communication difficulties.

It is estimated that around 700,000 people in the UK have dementia and that this number could more than double to 1.7 million by 2051.

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics hopes the consultation will help families, carers and professionals make the best decisions for people with dementia.

It will look at issues such as whether it is ever right to deceive a person with dementia, for example by disguising medicine in their food, and if restraining a person with dementia to reduce the risks of wandering is acceptable.

Living wills, which set out what treatment people would want at a point in the future when they are unable to make decisions for themselves, will also be discussed to determine if they are an effective way of making decisions about treatment and care.

"Issues about access to medication have recently hit the headlines, but there are other important questions that urgently need to be addressed to help people with dementia and their families live their lives," said Professor Tony Hope, chair of the council's working party on dementia.

"We want to hear people's views on these questions to help us develop some guidance and advice for families, carers and professionals."

Dr Rhona Knight, a GP and member of the working party added: "Although the law offers guidance on how decisions for people with dementia should be made, it is often more complicated in real life.

"For example, taking account of someone's past and present wishes and values, as stated in the Mental Capacity Act, can be difficult if these appear to be vastly different."

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics wants to hear the views of people with dementia, carers, those working in health and social care, policy makers, researchers and members of the public.

Comments must be given before July 31st and a report on the group's findings will be published in autumn 2009.
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