Making decisions about life-sustaining medical treatment in patients with dementia

Journal/Book: Theor Med Bioeth. 1999; 20: Spuiboulevard 50, PO Box 17, 3300 AA Dordrecht, Netherlands. Kluwer Academic Publ. 55-67.

Abstract: The problem of decision-making capacity in patients with dementia, such as those with early stage Alzheimer's, can be vexing, especially when these patients refuse life-sustaining medical treatments. However, these patients should not be presumed to lack decision-making capacity. Instead, an analysis of the patient's decision-making capacity should be made. Patients who have some degree of decision-making capacity may be able to make a choice about life-sustaining medical treatment and may, in many cases, choose to forgo treatment.

Note: Article Derse AR, Med Coll Wisconsin, Ctr Study Bioeth, Milwaukee,WI 53226 USA

Keyword(s): informed consent; decision-making capacity; competence; dementia; Alzheimer's disease; life-sustaining medical treatment; cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); autonomy; ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE; INFORMED CONSENT; ATTITUDES; LEGAL; CARE

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