I saw three news articles this morning where authorities are searching for Alzheimer’s patients who have wondered away. Of course, this brings up the debate again – should Alzheimer’s patients be handed a microchip along with their diagnosis? I personally don’t like the thought of injecting someone who can’t rationally give consent for the procedure, but if my loved one was lost and freezing on a cold winter night, perhaps I’d feel differently.
The problem to me is that a microchip can be read by identity thieves, it can be tracked by people who are nosy or collecting information on your movements that you don’t want them collecting and it does seem a very alien idea in a country that is based on freedom. Any technology that has the potential to be misused by power hungry people makes me a bit nervous. So, to microchip or not to microchip? What do you think?
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I agree with your sentiments, but a microchip is not the only answer.
The best idea I had seen is inscribing their watch with contact details. Those that are aware of Alzheimer’s, finding a lost person need to know to look at the person’s watch. Then it’s easy!
Also, other simple measures like a wallet (with no or little money, but with clear contact details) can help.
Peter
Comment by Peter - August 5, 2007 3:36 pm
Peter,
An inscribed watch is a great idea.
Comment by admin - August 5, 2007 3:45 pm
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Pingback by Brain Blogging, Fourteenth Edition | GNIF Brain Blogger - August 9, 2007 10:46 am
Microchips sound like criminalising people who’ve done nothing wrong, but it would be useful to have some kinf od I.D.
What’s to say they’d always wear the watch though?
Comment by Ivy Days - September 14, 2007 4:15 am
Hello,
My name is Turgay and I am a graphic design student at Troy University. I am trying to find out about the image of the microchip. I really like it and would like to use it in a school project. If this is your image may I use it. If not, can you tell me where you found it and who I could contact for permission.
Thanks for your time and assistance!
Turgay
Comment by Turgay - March 31, 2008 11:51 pm
Hi Turgay,
I got the image from Stock Exchange at sxc.hu.
Comment by admin - April 26, 2008 8:22 am