Ethical Issues of Primary and Secondary Dementia Prevention

Abstract

The asymmetry of diagnostic and therapeutic options in dementia raises difficult ethical questions about primary and secondary dementia prevention. For example, is it ethically appropriate to tell asymptomatic individuals that they are very likely to develop dementia in the next few years? The present article reviews and systematizes the ethical issues regarding dementia prevention and proposes a terminology and classification of ethical issues. This may prove helpful in framing further discussion. It is imperative that appropriate diagnostic standards be developed that include procedures for risk communication, disclosure of diagnoses, stigma reduction, and protection of vulnerable patient populations. Further, we need coordinated and effective preventive interventions to raise awareness about dementia and effective risk reduction strategies in the population.