Relationships play a more prominent role in decision making than dementia, new research has found.
Scientists working at the University of Sheffield and Bradford University came to the conclusion after analysing couples where one person was suffering for the early stages of dementia. The couples were asked to carry out a few simple tasks such as choosing what to wear or where to eat.
The results found couples continued to make decisions based on who took the lead before one suffered with the illness.
Dr Geraldine Boyle from Bradford University said: "It's important for people with dementia to be supported to allow them to make decisions where they're still able to."
Each decision needed to be considered on an individual basis because having dementia does not automatically affect a person's ability to make a choice, she added.
The researchers also found even people with advanced dementia can still communicate their decisions.
Earlier this month, research from the Netherlands indicated small domestic care groups promoted stability in dementia sufferers.
© Adfero Ltd
Dementia treatment news : 20 September 2011
