Summary. In this article, from a broad perspective, the problematic issues posed in clinical practice by the communication of the diagnosis of dementia are addressed. After discussing the legal determinants of every person's right to know the truth, the ethical questions posed by the communication of unfavorable news are explored, highlighting that the scientific discussion has mainly focused on the communication of the diagnosis of the neoplastic pathology. We then focus on the SPIKES system adapted to dementia, whose strengths and weaknesses are discussed before suggesting its expansion with the necessary adaptations.

Keyword. Communication of diagnosis, dementia, right to be informed, SPIKES-D.

Communication of the diagnosis of dementia: legal aspects and (also) emerging ethical problems.

Summary. In this paper, in a broad perspective, the problematic issues posed in clinical practice by the communication of the diagnosis of dementia are addressed. After discussing the legal determinants of the right of every person to know the truth, it was explored the ethical questions posed by the communication of unfavorable news highlighting that the scientific discussion has mainly focused on the communication of the diagnosis of neoplastic pathology. Then focus on the Spikes system adapted to the dementia of which the merits and defects are discussed before suggesting its expansion with the necessary adaptations.