ABSTRACT
Loss of competency, or decision-making capacity,1 is an inevitable consequence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).2,3 As capacities for memory, judgement, reasoning, and planning erode, AD patients eventually lose decision-making capacity in every sphere of life. Specific competencies which are lost include the capacity to make medical decisions,3,4 to manage financial affairs,5,6 to drive,7,8 to manage medications,7-9 to live independently, and ultimately to handle even the most basic activities of daily life.3 Loss of competency in dementia has crucially important consequences for patients and their families, for health care and legal professionals, and for society as a whole.2
