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Cardiff University

Systematic Review Highlights Gaps in UNCRPD Implementation in Dementia Care

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A recent study published in Dementia has shed light on the disparities between the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the actual practices in caring for individuals with dementia. The systematic review, conducted by researchers from Cardiff University, identified significant discrepancies in the application of mental capacity and mental health laws in residential and hospital settings. The study highlighted the need for greater awareness and understanding of the UNCRPD among healthcare professionals, as well as the experiences of carers and individuals with dementia during decision-making processes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found significant gaps between the ideals of the UNCRPD and the actual practices in health and social care settings for people living with dementia.
  • Eleven studies were selected for review, with six papers being qualitative, three quantitative, and two employing mixed methods.
  • The study identified key themes, including:

+ Levels of legal understanding amongst stakeholder groups.

+ The influence of professional background on decision-making in dementia detention cases.

+ The impact of the severity of dementia and dementia diagnosis on decision-making.

+ The impact of care setting on decision-making.

+ The experiences of carers during decision-making.

+ The exclusion of people living with dementia during decision-making.

  • The research concluded that the UNCRPD has implications for the use of law with people living with dementia, and that decisions to deprive people of their liberty are often made without adequate understanding of the law.
  • The study was funded by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership, and is registered on Prospero (CRD42023483046).
  • The researchers noted that the study had several limitations, including the exclusion of non-English texts and the lack of a meta-synthesis.

Statistics:

  • 11 studies were selected for review.
  • 6 papers were qualitative studies.
  • 3 papers were quantitative studies.
  • 2 papers employed mixed methods.
  • 8 studies were based within the UK.
  • 2 studies were based in other European countries.
  • The study concluded that the UNCRPD has implications for the use of law with people living with dementia.

Sources:

  • The Use of Mental Capacity and Mental Health Laws In the Care of People Living With Dementia In Residential and Hospital Settings: a Systematic Review of the Literature. Dementia, 2025.
  • NewsRx. New Dementia Study Findings Have Been Reported from Cardiff University (The Use of Mental Capacity and Mental Health Laws In the Care of People Living With Dementia In Residential and Hospital Settings: a Systematic Review of the Literature). Mental Health Law Weekly. November 1, 2025; p 473.

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