Review article

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2019.470

Alzheimer’s Disease and Human Rights

Silvija Dološić ; The “Memoria” Association, Osijek
Marina Milić Babić orcid.org/0000-0002-2310-641X ; Social Work Study Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb
Silvia Rusac orcid.org/0000-0002-6953-9624 ; Social Work Study Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb

Abstract

The management of human rights in old age primarily refers to providing care related to the quality of life of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and preventing discrimination on the basis of age and illness. This paper analyses the best instruments for the protection of human rights of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease based on the principles of autonomy, self-determination, and the patient’s best interests. Such requirements can best be met in systems providing several various forms of protection for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The legal status of caregivers and making decisions regarding the rights, interests, and needs of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease with the support, informed consent of the patient to medical treatment, and/or research of the disease itself, as well as the option of anticipated disposition, are all instruments for the protection of their human rights. The life of the elderly is regulated by legal measures and policies which are not directly focused on their needs and inherently violate basic human rights, especially in the case of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Palliative care is one of the measures which should be considered a basic human right of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Keywords

Alzheimer’s Disease; Human Rights; Legal Capacity; Informed Consent; Palliative Care

Hrčak ID:

232534

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/232534

Publication date:

31.12.2019.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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