R'Shara (paraphrased)
Would Szeth, Wax, and Taravangian be considered fully alive, or are they considered Cognitive Shadows?
Brandon Sanderson (paraphrased)
They would be considered alive.
R'Shara (paraphrased)
Even with what happened when Taravangian Ascended?
Brandon Sanderson (paraphrased)
Yes, he still counts as a fully alive person holding the Shard. He won't have the same trouble as a Cognitive Shadow holding a Shard.