Ethical challenges associated with technology use with people with dementia

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of dementia is expected to increase as our population ages. People with Dementia (PwD) and their carers have expressed the desire to remain living at home and integrated with their communities for as long as possible. Ambient Assistive Living (AAL) and Lifelog technologies can support this wish, but they bring with them serious ethical issues that need to be addressed. Methods: The literature associated with AAL and Lifelog technologies was reviewed. These findings were combined with the results of the three studies presented in this symposium in order to identify the key ethical issues associated with the use of these technologies and the current state of the scholarly debate surrounding these issues. Results: The potential benefits and the specific limitations of using AAL and Lifelog technologies with PwD will be explored, in particular in home-based situations. We will consider their potential mis-use as surveillance tools and the possible exploitation of the data captured during their use. Finally, the challenge of gaining informed consent, including third party consent will be discussed, both in terms of proposed solutions and in light of the current legal framework in Ireland. Conclusions: Using technology as a means of preserving autonomy, promoting independence, and facilitating at-home living for longer is likely to increase over the coming years. Providing clear examples of the ethical issues that can arise with the use of these technologies, and the recommendations for alleviating these ethical challenges will, help to protect a vulnerable population.