Dementia ● More practical ways needed to support patients and their caregivers

The many complex issues facing caregivers were well highlighted in the Opinion pieces "Respecting the wishes of people with dementia while keeping them safe" and "Alive, but just a shell — the grief that haunts dementia caregivers" (both Sept 26).

- Usha Chandradas

While I agree with the first commentary that people with cognitive decline should be allowed as far as possible to maintain their sense of autonomy and dignity, the authors seem to understate the extent of the massive mindset shift required by society at large to allow for these ideals to be upheld in a meaningful way.