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.

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.

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.

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

The Mental Health Act 1983 is a law in England and Wales. It allows certain people to be detained in hospital against their will so they can be assessed or treated. The Act can apply to people with dementia.