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Capacity in dementia — DGM MCQ

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ModerateDementiaCapacity in dementiaDGM

An 86-year-old man with mild dementia refuses help with finances after a missed payment. He can explain his bills, understands the risks and consistently states his preference. His daughter disagrees with him. Current medicines include no regular medicines. What is the most appropriate assessment?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Decision-specific capacity assessment for financial decisions

Capacity is decision-specific and cannot be presumed absent because a person has dementia; understanding, retention, weighing and communication must be assessed. Family disagreement, cognitive score and diagnosis do not replace the statutory test, and DoLS does not apply to ordinary domestic living arrangements. A capacitous person can make an unwise decision.

Reference: Mental Capacity Act 2005; NICE NG108