Psychedelic drugs are not currently offered to people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, but interest is growing in using them to treat underlying causes and psychiatric symptoms. This paper proposes a research agenda for examining the ethics of psychedelic medicine and research involving persons with AD/ADRD. It offers preliminary analyses of six ethical issues: the impact of psychedelics on autonomy and consent; the effect of "ego dissolution" on those experiencing a pathology of self; how psychedelics might affect caregiving; the potential exploitation of patient desperation; institutional review boards' orientation to psychedelic research; and methods to reduce inequity. These issues are magnified for AD/ADRD but also relevant to other clinical populations.
Consciousness in human brain organoids (HBOs) is difficult to define and detect because existing theories conflict. This review of 24 peer-reviewed publications reveals six key themes: how consciousness is defined, biological limits of organoids, conflicting theories of consciousness, methods for detecting consciousness, comparisons with other conscious entities, and the unique ethical status of HBOs. Uncertainty about consciousness itself complicates ethical debates. The authors suggest that focusing on organoid intelligence—a more concrete concept—may advance research and communication, while clear language is needed to avoid misunderstandings.
Laypeople morally disapprove of hypothetical love drugs more than psychological therapy because they perceive the resulting feelings as inauthentic. Authenticity and naturalness drive these moral judgments. However, the line between organic and artificial experiences is blurry; emotions from love drugs could be meaningful and authentic if they foster lasting positive change and align with personal values. Natural feelings are also shaped by external stimuli affecting brain function. Where love drugs support transformative experiences, they should not be viewed as immoral.