Neurobioethics and the principle of confidentiality in neurodegenerative processes

Abstract

Neurodegenerative processes are being intensively studied from a multidisciplinary perspective. The importance of neurobioethics is increasingly acknowledged. Confidentiality in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders remains a current and insufficiently explored ethical issue. To outline the role of neurobioethics in maintaining confidentiality in both medical care and the non-medical context for patients with neurodegenerative conditions. A synthesis of scientific literature published in the last 10 years (about 43 sources) was performed using PubMed, Journal of Medical Ethics, Web of Science, and Elsevier databases, focusing on bioethics and medical care in neurological, especially neurodegenerative diseases. Sociological, bioethical, and structuralist methods were used. Neurobioethics is emerging as a branch of bioethics involved in the examination of multiple neurodegenerative manifestations. Aspects are identified that emerge both in the therapeutic process, administered to the contingent of patients suffering from various and complex effects of neurological degeneration, and in the entire social habitat environment of the patient. A separate topic is the wide spectrum of effects of the involvement of information technologies, medical management, health policies, etc. All of these influence the existential environment of neurodegeneration, also involving consequences regarding confidentiality. 1.Neurobioethics offers perspectives in the application of effective medical tactics to the contingent with neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in the advancement of neuroscience and neuroethologies. 2.Bioethical principles involved: confidentiality, vulnerability, non-maleficence, beneficence.