Abstract

Dementia is characterized by a gradual deterioration of the mental capabilities of sufferers, which also affects their functionality, awareness of reality and decision making abilities. As a result, the doctor-patient relationship (RMP) has special features that also require specific skills by the physician. In this article, some aspects of this relationship are discussed, such as: diagnosis disclosure, the work with the caregiver, the therapeutic alternatives discussion, monitoring, determination of competence, the tendency to reify the patient, the decision to institutionalize and end of life care. Recommendations are given to work on these aspects according to the severity of dementia, and are addressed from an ethical and practical perspective, keeping in mind the values and preferences of patients and their caregivers.