Sep

5

Alzheimer’s Microchip: Where Do You Stand?

Posted by maureen

September 5, 2007 |

There are nearly 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and one of the biggest concerns for families is keeping them safe. In response to these concerns a Florida -based company VeriChip has developed an FDA approved microchip that can be implanted in an Alzheimer’s patient’s arm. Up to 200 Alzheimer’s patients living near Palm Beach, Fla., have been implanted with the VeriChip for free as part of a 2-year project to evaluate the effectiveness of the system in managing the medical records of Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.

The VeriChip contains a unique 16-digit number which allows for wearer identification and immediate access to that persons medical record. The medical information is contained in a database managed by VeriChip and could be accessed from a hospital emergency room. The microchip about the size of a grain of rice must be scanned in order for the information to become available. It is not a GPS devise and only provides code for a database.

It sounds like a good idea but it does have some disadvantages besides the ethical concerns: namely, patient monitoring and tracking, and patient privacy and confidentiality.

One disadvantage of the chip is that it must be read by a scanner and they are not readily available to law enforcement or outside a hospital. Another disadvantage is that the chip is not clearly visible. In order for a wearer to be identified they would need to be taken to a hospital. The chip does allow for immediate access to medical records and this is certainly an advantage in situations were immediate medical treatment is necessary but this is also what alarms the privacy advocacy groups. Who will have access and how secure is the system?

The Alzheimer’s Association does offer a low -tech alternative called the Safe return bracelet. The Safe Return contains a toll free 800 number that allows for fast identification of the wearer. The bracelet which cost $40 is an inexpensive alternative. Most law enforcement personnel can identify the bracelet on sight.

All participants in the project are voluntary. In the case of Alzheimer’s patients unable to make medical decisions, their legally authorized representative must give permission for the patient to participate.


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