Dementia Research: Ethics and Policy for the Twenty-First Century

Authors

• Rebecca Dresser, Washington University in SL Louis

Publication Date

2001

Abstract

People in developed countries rank dementia among the most feared threats to human health and life. With an increasing portion of the U.S. population living into the seventh, eighth, and ninth decades, the incidence of dementia is on the rise. So is the incidence of dementia research. In an effort to lighten the burdens on future patients and caregivers, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and philanthropic organizations are devoting abundant resources to the study of dementia. Like most human endeavors, dementia research can yield both benefits and harms. On the positive side, research holds out the possibility of better medications and other measures that allow people with dementia to understand and participate in the world around them. Research also has the potential to develop measures to delay or, in the best-case scenario, prevent the emergence of various forms of dementia. At the same time, research can do harm. To gain the knowledge that can lead to clinical improvements, scientists must study people with dementia. Many of these people are vulnerable individuals who lack the ability to protect themselves during the research process. People diagnosed with or at risk for dementia, and their families as well, may harbor unrealistic expectations about the personal benefits attainable through research participation. In the urgent search for knowledge to help future patients, researchers and others may overlook the interests of dementia research participants.

Recommended Citation

Dresser, Rebecca (2001) "Dementia Research: Ethics and Policy for the Twenty-First Century," Georgia Law Review: Vol. 35: No. 2, Article 11.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.law.uga.edu/glr/vol35/iss2/11