Open access
Date
2019-10Type
- Journal Article
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. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000278717Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Ageing and societyVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
Cambridge University PressSubject
cognitive enhancement; Public health; ethics; technology governance; PolicyOrganisational unit
09614 - Vayena, Eftychia / Vayena, Eftychia
Notes
It was possible to publish this article open access thanks to a Swiss National Licence with the publisher.More
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