Cognitive enhancement for the ageing world: opportunities and challenges


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Date

2019-10

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

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Data

Abstract

Population ageing and the global burden of dementia pose a major challenge for human societies and a priority for public health. Cognitive enhancement, i.e. the targeted amplification of core cognitive abilities, is raising increasing attention among researchers as an effective strategy to complement traditional therapeutic and assistive approaches, and reduce the impact of age-related cognitive disability. In this paper, we discuss the possible applicability of cognitive enhancement for public health purposes to mitigate the burden of population ageing and dementia. After discussing the promises and challenges associated with enhancing ageing citizens and people with cognitive disabilities, we argue that global societies have a moral obligation to consider the careful use of cognitive enhancement technologies as a possible strategy to improve individual and public health. In addition, we address a few primary normative issues and possible objections that could arise from the implementation of public health-oriented cognitive enhancement technologies.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

39 (10)

Pages / Article No.

2308 - 2321

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

cognitive enhancement; Public health; ethics; technology governance; Policy

Organisational unit

09614 - Vayena, Eftychia / Vayena, Eftychia check_circle

Notes

It was possible to publish this article open access thanks to a Swiss National Licence with the publisher.

Funding

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