Philosophisches Skandalon Demenz

Diagnosing dementia is a critical issue in modern society, as it questions central values such as rationality, functionality and autonomy. The impending loss of autonomy and freedom of action often poses an existential challenge to the person concerned. How should one cope with the gradual erosion of one’s self? In this study, the author deals with this question from a philosophical perspective and examines several responses to the loss of autonomy as a result of dementia, which try to preserve a person’s self-determination: from independent suicide or physician-assisted suicide at the beginning of the illness to an advance directive to refuse medical treatment when suffering from acute dementia. With this focus on existential decisions, the study deals with the question of how to determine the range and limits of the ethical principle of autonomy.