The development of the biomedical sciences is inextricably bound up with the need to conduct research aimed not only at discovering new methods of diagnosis, treatment and care, but also at verifying and monitoring the effectiveness of the currently applicable procedural rules. Due to the aging population with a concomitant increase in the number of people suffering from dementia disorders such persons may become a larger and larger group taking part in a variety of studies. It is indispensable to include patients suffering from dementia disorders in research; yet, this means providing them with a specific protection due to a risk of doing harm to them. The study is aimed at discussing some ethical issues related to the participation of people suffering from dementia disorders in research.

Nursing Topics 2015; 23 (1): 274–278