Impaired decision-making
Alzheimer's disease affects attention and concentration, planning ability (executive functions), memory, judgement and insight during the different stages of the illness. |
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How impairment is measured
There are no good practical tests available for the measurement of decision-making ability. Memory tests and other cognitive tests can to some extent assist. |
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Drawing up and signing a will
If there is any doubt about the patient’s ability to sign a will then it is best to have the patient assessed by a psychiatrist. |
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Financial aspects
It is inevitable that a person with Alzheimer's disease will not be able to manage his/her own financial affairs at some stage. |
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Steps to order financial affairs
A flow-chart of the steps that need to be taken in the management of incapacity to handle financial affairs. |
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Other medico-legal issues
Rarely, a patient with Alzheimer’s disease may be involved in a crime. |
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Psychiatric admissions: the steps
Many people who care for loved ones with a serious mental illness may have to make difficult decisions regarding whether or not the person should be hospitalised.
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