Abordari bioetice privind afecțiunile neurologice degenerative la varstnici

Abstract

High indicators of the elderly population mark a common demographic phenomenon worldwide. As the years go by, the human body faces physical, cognitive, and sensory changes, a decrease in autonomy, and a high degree of dependence on support from those around. Against the background of these bio-psycho-social changes in the elderly, neurodegenerative processes intensify. These are characterized by a range of progressive disorders of the central nervous system, leading to the deterioration of cognitive and motor functions. This transformation requires the creation of new conditions for the provision of medical services and, simultaneously, new ethical/bioethical challenges in the practice of medicine. In this context, the identification of bioethical issues is proposed, an endeavor that initiates discussions in the specialized literature. The bioethical topics addressed focus on aspects such as: the autonomy and decision-making capacity of elderly patients in the context of neurodegenerative disorders, informed consent and moral dilemmas regarding decision-making capacity, quality of life, and challenges of short-term and long-term care. Investigating these topics raises the task of formulating a series of bioethical premises integrated into medical care, based on personal values, family support, and interdisciplinary assistance, in order to optimize the general therapeutic framework for the elderly population affected by neurodegenerative conditions.