ABSTRACT
The increasing numbers of the elderly and the particular needs of those suffering from dementia are matters which have become familiar to us all over the past 10 years. As long ago as 1974, a WHO Expert Committee was placing emphasis on the special needs of the elderly in respect of health in general and mental disorders in particular. The need for comprehensive and accurate assessment of the total condition of the patient was underlined and the need to ensure that treatment procedures ranged from home-care, with community support and help from social services, to hospitalisation for short or long periods. The environment, nutrition, and socio-economic factors were also discussed but it has to be noted that only passing reference was made to the major effects on the elderly of decrease in income and nothing whatsoever was said about the need to offer legal protection to this vulnerable group. Yet cases known to all those who work with demented patients make it plain that these elderly people are at risk in a number of ways and the topic of legal protection and basic rights of this group is something which deserves continuing attention if any improvements are to be brought about.
