Abstract

With the rapid ageing of the Singapore population, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase from the current estimates of 20,000  to about 48,000 in the year 2030.  People with dementia not only have cognitive deficits that impair their functioning but also may have significant behavioural and psychological symptoms that impact their care. Dementia and neurological diseases are leading causes of loss in mental capacity and caring for them can be a challenge.  Maintaining autonomy, well-being, good clinical care and quality of life are some of the issues that arise in the care and treatment of people with dementia who lack capacity and will be discussed.