Dimensions of Consciousness in Alzheimer's Disease
Salah Aziz
Alzheimer's & Dementia December 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1002/alz70857_100648 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that hierarchical, unidimensional models of altered consciousness in Alzheimer's disease fail to capture the dynamic, multifaceted nature of the global state of consciousness, and proposes a multidimensional framework for conceptualizing GSC in Alzheimer's disease. |
Abstract
The study of altered conscious states in Alzheimer's disease (AD) often relies on hierarchical models that categorize these states into discrete levels, typically based on unidimensional markers of arousal or awareness complexity. However, these models fail to capture the dynamic, multifaceted nature of consciousness, particularly the global state of consciousness (GSC). A novel construct in consciousness science, GSC refers to an individual's overall conscious condition that modulates the kinds of contents that can enter awareness and the capacity to use them for cognitive and behavioral control. Existing frameworks overlook the complexities of this state. This study critiques these models and proposes a multidimensional framework for GSC in AD.