Why you should read this article:

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To identify the circumstances in which the use of therapeutic lies might be considered beneficial

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To recognise the ethical concerns in relation to therapeutic lying when caring for people with dementia

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To understand the guidance that nurses should follow when considering the use of therapeutic lies

People living with dementia can become vulnerable when experiencing symptoms such as memory loss and disorientation, as well as stigma attached to the condition. The care of people with dementia is fraught with ethical dilemmas and challenges regarding how nurses should respond to situations that put patients at risk of distress. For example, if a person with dementia asks to see a deceased relative, a nurse may have to decide whether to tell the truth, or a ‘white lie’ to avoid distress. This article examines the debates around the use of such ‘therapeutic lying’ when caring for people with dementia and provides guidance on how nurses could use this technique while protecting the individual’s best interests.