ABSTRACT
For this final chapter, I wish to present some promising future directions for dementia research. Some of the material is rather more speculative, whereas others are further along the road to making a real impact on treatment and care. This chapter will look at how well we can utilize biomarkers to aid diagnosis, how knowledge of inflammatory processes is offering insight into decline, and how drug therapies may change in the future. We will then look at the increasing adoption of technology in our homes to maintain the independence of those living with dementia. With most advancements in knowledge and technology, new ethical issues arise, or sometimes they are older ones in a new guise. I shall discuss some of the more pertinent ones here, although by no means will I be giving a comprehensive account of the issues and concerns. One thing that is becoming increasingly apparent is individual willingness to take control over end-of-life care. This is something that, as a society, we are yet to grapple with effectively. Individual rights should be protected and appropriate choices offered. It is something that most of us shy away from, but for how long? The final section will look at how employers deal with dementia among their staff. I shall end this chapter by widening the focus to briefly examine the politics of dementia. Weighty issues, indeed. I am not offering any solutions. Rather, I hope you come away with more questions. We need to consider, perhaps reconsider, how we deal with dementia for both current and future generations. One thing we can be sure of is that dementia is here to stay. However, facilitating a life well-lived with dementia is possible and within our capability to deliver.
