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Ethical challenges related to capacity, competence and autonomy in individuals with dementia
Valeska Maria Eboli Bello Delineau, Ivone Duarte, Ana Rita Ferreira, Lia Paula Nogueira Sousa Fernandes. Acta bioethica, 2025-03-28
Topic: Risk, prevention and care in population studies
Dementia is a syndrome characterised by the development of multiple cognitive deficits and behavioural changes that significantly interfere with various aspects of life.The study aims to discuss capacity, competence and autonomy in individuals with dementia, and some ethical challenges related to these concepts, such as healthcare decision-making capacity, financial capacity, driving and voting.Secondarily, we aim to discuss a new ethical issue emerging from using artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve autonomy in individuals with dementia.Furthermore, we will discuss the ethical importance of obtaining informed consent for healthcare decision-making and Advance Care Planning in dementia patients.This study provides a comprehensive overview of the complex issues related to autonomy and competence in individuals with dementia, highlighting the importance of striking a balance between upholding individual rights and protecting the well-being of those affected by the disease.In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of Advance Care Planning in helping patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals address ethical issues related to autonomy, capacity, and competence in dementia care.
Cite this study APA, Vancouver, BibTeX · download .bib or .ris
APA 7th
Delineau, V. M. E. B., Duarte, I., Ferreira, A. R., & Fernandes, L. P. N. S. (2025). Ethical challenges related to capacity, competence and autonomy in individuals with dementia. Acta bioethica. https://doi.org/10.4067/s1726-569x2025000100035
Vancouver
Delineau VMEB, Duarte I, Ferreira AR, Fernandes LPNS. Ethical challenges related to capacity, competence and autonomy in individuals with dementia. Acta bioethica. 2025. doi:10.4067/s1726-569x2025000100035.
BibTeX
@article{delineau2025-8150892e,
author = {Delineau, Valeska Maria Eboli Bello and Duarte, Ivone and Ferreira, Ana Rita and Fernandes, Lia Paula Nogueira Sousa},
title = {{Ethical challenges related to capacity, competence and autonomy in individuals with dementia}},
journal = {Acta bioethica},
year = {2025},
doi = {10.4067/s1726-569x2025000100035},
url = {https://doi.org/10.4067/s1726-569x2025000100035}
}
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Key findings
- Dementia is a syndrome characterised by the development of multiple cognitive deficits and behavioural changes that significantly interfere with various aspects of life.The study aims to discuss capacity, competence and autonomy in individuals with dementia, and some ethical challenges related to th
Why it matters
This paper discusses ethical challenges around capacity, competence and autonomy in dementia, including healthcare decision-making, financial capacity, driving and voting, and the importance of advance care planning. It is a conceptual overview, not a study of treating, curing or preventing Alzheimer's disease.
Study details
- Evidence strengthLow
How this study scored 30/100
Published in a peer-reviewed journal. Scored zero for study design, sample size, effect reported, studied in people and randomised / blinded because the record does not state it.
| Component | Points | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Journal tier | 7 / 10 | Tier 3 — peer-reviewed journal (Acta bioethica) |
| Journal's citation record | 0 / 4 | Acta bioethica: journal h-index 26 (OpenAlex, 2026-10-29) |
| Study design | 0 / 12 | No study design recorded — scores zero, not guessed (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Strength of evidence | 1 / 5 | Rated “low” in our summary |
| Peer-review validation | 10 / 10 | Peer-reviewed. Published as an article in a named peer-reviewed journal. |
| How recent | 4 / 5 | 2025 — within 3 year(s) of the newest study here |
| Sample size | 0 / 4 | Participant count not stated — scores zero (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Effect reported | 0 / 3 | No effect size reported — scores zero (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Studied in people | 0 / 3 | Not stated whether this was studied in people — scores zero (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Randomised / blinded | 0 / 2 | No randomisation or blinding stated — scores zero (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Times cited | 1 / 7 | Cited 1 times (OpenAlex, 2026-10-10) |
| Citations per year | 0 / 5 | 0.3 citations a year over 3 year(s) since 2025 |
| Impact for its field and year | 2 / 6 | Cited 1.2× the average for papers of its field and year (OpenAlex FWCI) |
| Cited by studies here | 0 / 6 | No other study in this library cites it |
| Still being cited | 0 / 4 | Cited 1 times in 2024–2026 (2026 still in progress; OpenAlex) |
| Senior author's track record | 2 / 4 | Last-listed author Lia Paula Nogueira Sousa Fernandes: h-index 25 (OpenAlex, whole career) |
| Institution's track record | 0 / 3 | Universidade do Porto: institution h-index 646 (OpenAlex) |
| Multi-centre collaboration | 0 / 3 | OpenAlex lists 1 institution(s) in 1 country — scores zero (affiliation lists can be incomplete) |
| Indexed in PubMed | 1 / 2 | Not in PubMed, but has a DOI |
| Free to read | 2 / 2 | Free to read |
| Total | 30 / 100 | — |
What each of these 20 components measures, and what this score is not →
Read the original
Full text: free to read — OpenAlex lists this copy as free to read: the link above (checked 6 Feb 1020).
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