The aging of the population affects the increase in the occurrence of dementia disorders which may cause some limitations to among patients while making autonomous decisions. The autonomy of a patient with dementia are subject to changes with the progression of the disease and the impact of external factors, the assessment of autonomy is a complex issue and constitute a challenge to those who care for those patients. The development of the disease can affect the autonomy and competence of the patient, but even people with advanced dementia are not deprived of the right to decide on themselves, and the scope of such decisions should be commensurate with a patient’s abilities. The aim of the study is to discuss some issues related to the autonomy of patients suffering from dementia.

Nursing Topics 2015; 23 (2): 269–273