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Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
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Tools for testing decision-making capacity in dementia.
Catherine Pennington1,2,3, Katie Davey4, Ruud Ter Meulen5
1ReMemBr Group, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol Brain Centre, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK.
Age and Ageing
|July 17, 2018
Summary
Assessing decision-making capacity in dementia patients is challenging. This study identified nine UK legal-compliant tools, recommending a combined approach of professional judgment and structured assessment for robust evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Dementia frequently impairs decision-making capacity.
- Assessing capacity is complex for clinicians and researchers.
- UK legislation mandates promoting capacity and protecting vulnerable adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate published instruments for assessing mental capacity.
- To identify tools meeting UK legal requirements for capacity assessment.
- To consider disease and culture-specific factors influencing decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Searched electronic databases for structured mental capacity assessment tools (2000-2017).
- Evaluated identified tools against UK legal requirements.
- Considered disease and culture-specific factors.
Main Results:
- Nine tools met UK legal requirements for capacity assessment.
- Identified tools varied in design, structure, reliability, and validity.
- Some tools are tailored for specific decisions or patient groups.
Conclusions:
- Not all available capacity assessment tools meet UK legal standards.
- Personal, cultural, and disease-specific factors are crucial in capacity assessment.
- A combination of trained professional opinion and structured tools offers the most robust assessment approach.
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