Document type
ArticleVersion
Published versionPublication date
Publication license
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/160984
Reflexiones bioéticas sobre el cuidado prematuro desencadenado por el diagnóstico precoz de la enfermedad de Alzheimer
Journal Title
Director/Tutor
Additional contribution
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
El diagnóstico precoz de la enfermedad de Alzheimer presenta importantes problemas bioéticos. Entre la detección temprana de la enfermedad y la aparición de sus síntomas media un período de tiempo en el cual la autonomía, la intimidad y la dignidad de quien la sufre pueden verse lesionadas por las eventuales medidas de apoyo y atención sanitaria o familiar que se decida adoptar. Éstas pueden terminar por transformar al paciente en un objeto de cuidado, impidiéndole asumir la enfermedad, elaborar la identidad y reordenar el espacio vital. Debe procurarse entonces que el cuidar no se traduzca en un asedio compasivo y un efecto invasivo que lleve a la anulación del paciente con Alzheimer.
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer disease raises important bioethical issues. In the interval between early disease detection and symptom onset, there is a time in which the patient's autonomy, privacy, and dignity may be undermined by certain healthcare measures or by family care and support. These measures may eventually turn patients into an object of care, preventing them from accepting the disease, developing an identity, and rearranging their living spaces. Every effort should be made to ensure that care does not become compassionate harassment or an invasive act, annulling the patient's autonomy, identity, and self-determination.
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer disease raises important bioethical issues. In the interval between early disease detection and symptom onset, there is a time in which the patient's autonomy, privacy, and dignity may be undermined by certain healthcare measures or by family care and support. These measures may eventually turn patients into an object of care, preventing them from accepting the disease, developing an identity, and rearranging their living spaces. Every effort should be made to ensure that care does not become compassionate harassment or an invasive act, annulling the patient's autonomy, identity, and self-determination.
Related resource
Subject (English)
Citation
Citation
CASADO, María and BUXÓ REY, Ma. Jesús (Maria Jesús). Reflexiones bioéticas sobre el cuidado prematuro desencadenado por el diagnóstico precoz de la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Gaceta Sanitaria. 2014. Vol. 28, num. 5, pags. 426-428. ISSN 0213-9111. [consulted: 8 of October of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/160984