People with dementia may not have mental capacity, meaning that they cannot make some decisions. Not everyone with dementia will lack capacity, however, and everyone is protected by the Mental Capacity Act. Some people may also be able to make certain decisions but not others, and some will have capacity at some times but not at others. This can make it a complex issue to understand.
What Is Mental Capacity?
Mental capacity is the ability to make a certain decision at a certain time. In order to do this, an individual must be able to understand all relevant information, be able to mentally hold that information for long enough, be able to evaluate the information and be able to communicate a decision.
Mental Capacity and Dementia
As dementia progresses, someone with dementia can become unable to make specific decisions. It is for this reason that many people, while they have capacity, choose to plan ahead and have Legal Power of Attorneys in place, helped by companies such as https://powerofattorneyonline.co.uk/. Using firms such as Power of Attorney Online can help to ensure that a nominated person or persons can make decisions for an individual if they no longer have mental capacity.
Changes in Mental Capacity
Mental capacity can change in the long and the short term. Some people with dementia can have capacity at some times but not at others, such as on different days. Some people will also be able to make certain decisions but not others. They may be able to decide what to wear but not be able to handle difficult medical or financial decisions, for example.
The Mental Capacity Act
The Mental Capacity Act aims to support and protect people who do not have capacity. It can help individuals with dementia to plan for their future and make specific decisions.
The act is based on a quintet of principles and includes a checklist which should be worked through to decide if something is in a person’s best interests.
