Keeping track of a human being
Posted by Heather on September 5th, 2007 / 
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I think this is a good idea but not everyone else does.
One of the greatest fears for families of Alzheimer’s patients is that an older relative might wander off, and then forgets how to get home again. Could a microchip implanted under the skin of an Alzheimer’s patient be the answer to relocating that loved one? Planting a tiny computer device in a human being is an idea that has aroused a lot of strong feelings. VOA’s Melinda Smith explains.Ida Frankel is one of millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. Her husband David describes one of her symptoms. “She was being very forgetful. She would, half the time, repeat the questions over and over again.”
A microchip inserted in Ida Frankel’s arm will not help her memory. But its manufacturer, Verichip Corporation, hopes it might help provide important medical information if she is lost or winds up in a hospital emergency room.
Scott Silverman is the company president. “When an Alzheimer’s patient presents [is taken to] in an emergency room, or is found wandering in a certain location, once their arm is scanned it would immediately designate who they are, their identity, and the fact that they are an Alzheimer’s patient.”
The Verichip is a tiny device that contains an identification code. By scanning the microchip, the company says emergency personnel could then tap into the patient’s medical information.
For many years microchips have been used to keep track of livestock and find lost pets. But opponents, like Katherine Albrecht, say keeping track of a human being violates the notion of civil liberty. “I don’t think that because it is useful in animals is a reason why we should do it to human beings. There is a distinction between an animal and a human being.”
Why is this not useful in humans?
I don’t understand the problem.
September 6th, 2007 at 8:39 am
I feel that a patient with this locater type monitor should be used for alzheimer patients because it is very possible that a patient can get lost and forget where home is and his/her surroundings. In order to avoid lengthy legal issues by implanting a device epidermically, try using those devices that law enforcement agencies use for criminal inmates that are on house arrest, “ankle monitor” then you won’t have to many legal issues and the caregiver or family relative may remove the device when patient is at home with a willing and able caregiver.
Angel
September 18th, 2007 at 11:54 am
i think that its an ok idea but it has to be up to the person who has the disease because they might be totally against stuff like that.but if it is so bad that the person doesn’t know who he or she is then it should be up to rhe closest family member.:? !