The Moral Challenge of Alzheimer Disease

In our society, people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementing illnesses are easily dismissed as unworthy of equal moral, social, and political protection. This book argues that such a society must work to ensure honour and respect for those marginalized, and even ghettoized, by forgetfulness.

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In a society that so values memory, intellectual abilities and economic productivity, people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementing illnesses are easily cast aside as unworthy of equal moral, social, and political protection. This book argues that such a society must work to ensure honour and respect for those marginalized, and even ghettoized, by forgetfulness. The book encourages humane and dignified care for people with dementia by examining the moral basis for such care against the background of cultural trends that threaten it. It argues that maintaining the emotional and relational well-being of those with dementia depends on caregivers who see dignity even in those severely affected by this kind of condition. It addresses specific ethical issues of interest to health care professionals, families and affected individuals, including topics such as diagnostic disclosure, restrictions on driving privileges, the extension of autonomy through advance directives, behaviour control, quality of life in relation to treatment limitations, hospice care and euthanasia.
In cases of profound dementia, the book concludes, appropriate care focuses on well-being rather than on the intentional prolongation of life. With examples of actual case experiences described throughout, this book is a useful resource for family members and health professionals whose lives have been shaped by loyalty to those with dementia, for individuals who are themselves at risk of developing dementia, and for students of biomedical ethics.