Some Ethical Issues in Treating and Caring for People with Dementia

Abstract

This paper explores several issues regarding the treatment and care for patients suffering from dementia, including a discussion of the relatively low time and money spent on dementia research compared to research on cancer and cardio-vascular diseases. It also discusses the special relationship between the person suffering from dementia and their caregiver, who is often a loved one. The paper employs principlism and so examines these issues from a consideration of autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice.