The Aging Brain: Medical, Legal and Ethical Perspectives
This year’s conference will explore scientific, legal and ethical perspectives on the latest and predicted developments in neuroscience, genetics and clinical treatment of dementia and aging and address how these developments could be used to respond more effectively both medically and legally to the predicted epidemic of dementia in the United States.
It is predicted that by 2030, about 7.7 million Americans will have dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease, and by 2050, over 14 million will be afflicted. As the average lifespan continues to increase, the medical, social, ethical and legal issues affecting older citizens are becoming increasingly significant.
Should the presence of biomarkers be considered a legally relevant brain state, even before some outward behavioral manifestation of disease? How will the doctrines of “capacity,” “competency” and liability for injury be affected by AD biomarkers in the domains of contracts, torts and criminal law? Should AD biomarkers and early detection affect when social disability benefits will be granted? How can we protect against discrimination in employment and insurance in patients who manifest these biomarkers? What are the implications of these developments for estate law, end of life decisions, guardianship law and family law?
Given the challenges these scientific developments present, it is a critical time to engage in interdisciplinary dialogues. We will explore these issues in our biannual public conference.
General Registration is Free
$100 fee for CLE/CE (psych) credits — up to 6 hours available
This event is sponsored by Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law Center for Law, Science and Innovation, Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics and Mayo Clinic.