Should right-to-die laws expand to include people with dementia?

Question

A handful of states have laws that allow what is called medical aid in dying, the option for people diagnosed with a terminal illness and who meet a tight set of criteria to end their lives with prescribed drugs. Should people with dementia be allowed to do this?

MisterWack · Accepted Answer

I believe right-to-die should be given access to those with dementia. Hear me out, they know they’ll forget their loved ones & that it will not only put their families in great turmoil in terms of emotion but one of financial responsibility too. We live in an age of insurance companies screwing over the elderly going through this difficult time which puts strain on loved ones knowing their family member isn’t going to get the best treatment / isn’t going to be getting the best deal to put less strain on their family taking care of them….. It breaks my heart how the system is, how Dementia/Alzheimers destroys a family & destroys a person.

I 100% believe it should be granted as an option. Right-to-die is morally wrong to me though laying bias aside I believe they have a say. Note: The family member with dementia would be making the decision. Not the family on their behalf.

exitseven · Accepted Answer

The problem is that when somebody's dementia is bad enough that they want to end their lives they really do not have the ability to make such an important decision

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

This is tricky.
Maybe if dementia runs in the family and they signed some sort of legal medical document well ahead of coming to the medical issue. They would have to write down a very detailed criteria too.

KrakenAttackin · Answer

Man, this is a tough question. People with moderate dementia do have lucid moments and I can completely appreciate not wanting to see yourself become a complete invalid.

My guy says people should be able to lawfully end their own lives when certain circumstances are met.

Sevenpointfive · Answer

people with dementia don't want to die. they want to go home and see their family and friends

OddBeMe · Answer

I'd say their cognizant ability can't make that choice. Perhaps a dnr type court document written before dementia.

lightbulb27 · Answer

Yes. Closely manage so not abused by selfish family but is in best interest of person.

goaded · Answer

"Why are they giving me this injection?" No, it's a disease you die with, not of.

NathanDavis · Answer

I don't think so

Agape93 · Answer

Sure

Anonymous · Answer

Those rights should expand to include anybody who wants euthanasia for themselves, for any possible reason.

Should right-to-die laws expand to include people with dementia?

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