Electronically tagging people with dementia could lead to “abuse and stigma”, even though it could also help ensure their safety, according to the author of a new dementia strategy being published today.

Charles Scerri, Malta Dementia Society co-founder, yesterday said that although assistive technology could help facilitate care for patients, the use of tags was “invasive”.

“Although the technology could enhance the freedom of movement of those diagnosed with dementia, it does not necessarily sit well with a person’s right to self-determination,” he said.

Dr Scerri was contacted for his reaction to a proposed project that would test the viability of tagging memory loss patients.

Read more in Times of Malta.