Module 2 Lesson 3. Supported decision-making How to support someone with dementia to make complex decisions? There comes a time in the course of dementia when someone may not be able to make complex decisions anymore, such as decisions concerning medical treatment. Let’s look at an example Maryam has vascular dementia and is taken care of by her daughter Sara. The doctor advises Maryam to start using medication for her blood pressure. Maryam says that she does not want to take pills because she does not understand why she needs them. Check your understandingSupport for making complex decisions (1). What should the doctor and Sara do? Multiple answers are correct. Maryam says what she wants, so she does not need support in making the decision whether or not to start with the medication.The doctor explains that taking the medication is good for her health, because it will slow down further damage in her brain because of her dementia.The doctor says that she should take the medication because it is good for her health.Her daughter says: “Mom, you know that you are forgetting things and that you have difficulties to find the right words when you want to say something. By taking the medication these problems may slow down a bit.”Check Maryam says what she wants, so she does not need support in making the decision whether or not to start the medication. This is not correct. Since Maryam has dementia, we are not sure whether or not she understands why she needs the medication and what the consequences of taking or not taking the medication might be. The doctor explains that taking the medication is good for her health because it will slow down damage to her brain resulting from her dementia. This is right! Her doctor’s explanation allows Maryam to understand the importance of taking the medication and will enable her to make an informed decision. The doctor says that she should take the medication because it is good for her health. Incorrect. Although it is true that the medication will be good for her health, the doctor is telling Maryam what to do, which is not so good. Her daughter says: “Mom, you know that you are forgetting things and that you have difficulties finding the right words when you want to say something. By taking the medication these problems may slow down a bit.” Correct! Using different words to explain the possible reasons for taking the medication might help Maryam understand why taking the medication would be beneficial for her. Error: Please select at least one option.Please click ‘check’ to view the answers before continuing.Error: Please type your answers in the text box.