Alzheimer's and Consciousness: How Much Subjectivity Is Objective?
Neurosci Insights July 20, 2021 DOI: 10.1177/26331055211033869 (opens in new tab) via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThis philosophical paper examines the relationship between Alzheimer's disease and consciousness, arguing that the progressive loss of cognitive functions in Alzheimer's does not necessarily entail a loss of subjective experience. The authors contend that even as memory and self-narrative deteriorate, a minimal form of consciousness or 'subjectivity' may persist, challenging purely objective or behavioral assessments of awareness in dementia. They propose that understanding this residual subjectivity requires a phenomenological approach that attends to embodied and affective dimensions of experience, rather than relying solely on neuropsychological metrics. The paper thus advocates for a more nuanced view of personhood and ethical care in Alzheimer's.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that a minimal form of subjective consciousness may persist in Alzheimer's disease even as cognitive functions decline, and that this requires phenomenological rather than purely objective investigation. |
Abstract
Alzheimer's and Consciousness: How Much Subjectivity Is Objective?