Neuroética e COVID-19

Abstract

This work has two main goals: (i) to present some neuroscientific investigations in order to understand the effects of the coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) on the human central nervous system (CNS) and (ii) to discuss how neuroethics can, considering these studies, contribute to the proper dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19. To reach these aims, in the first part, it will be scrutinized the current neuroscientific findings on how the human brain is affected by the new coronavirus: from stroke, encephalitis, loss of memory etc. to mental disorders given rise to anxiety and depression. In the second part, it presents a neuroethical framework to deal with these problems. Despite the prevalence of utilitarianism in neuroethics, the paper argues that classical bioethical principles, namely respect for persons, beneficence and justice are better qualified to guide (neuro) scientific practices. Applying these principles leads to recognize that it is necessary to intensify care in order to overcome the pandemic, which remains out of control in our country.