Legal matters | Alzheimer's Society

Can people with dementia vote?

People with dementia have the same right to vote as everyone else. Here we explain why people with dementia can still vote, and the different ways you can vote if you want to.

How to claim benefits if you're affected by dementia

Find out more about claiming benefits, including how to claim, where to get support and how to complain.

Benefits for people affected by dementia

If you are living with dementia, or caring for someone with the condition, you may be eligible for some benefits if dementia affects your ability to work, or if you have extra costs because of it.

Lasting powers of attorney and deputies

The Mental Health Act does not affect the power that attorneys or deputies have to make decisions about the person with dementia's welfare or property and affairs.

Guardianship

It isn’t always necessary to detain a person in hospital for them to be assessed or treated. When detention isn’t necessary, section 7 of the Mental Health Act gives the option for an individual called a ‘guardian’ to be appointed.

Safeguards and challenges to a detention under the Act

The powers that are created by the Mental Health Act can have a significant effect on a person’s freedoms. This is why the Act also contains some safeguards to protect the person’s rights.

Sections of the Mental Health Act for people with dementia

Some sections of the Mental Health Act may be relevant to people with dementia and their carers.

The Mental Health Act 1983

Sometimes the law allows a person with serious mental health needs to be detained in hospital against their will. This is so that they can be assessed or treated. This can include someone with dementia.

Will travel insurance be affected by my dementia diagnosis?