A new commentary, by John Noel Viaña, Fran McInerney and Henry Brodaty in the American Journal of Bioethics, underscores that dementia is not just about cognition.

People with dementia can also experience behavioural and psychological symptoms, and be socially positioned in a way that limits their opportunities for decision-making.

The authors suggest that medical practitioners and caregivers should always consider the personal, social, and contextual dimensions surrounding a decision made by people living with dementia in order to provide the greatest possible benefit and maintain the utmost respect for their remaining autonomy.

Read the full article in the American Journal of Bioethics.