Alzheimer's and Euthanasia.

[mont]

I am a 48 year old male that has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. During the first years the progression was slow but is now increasing in speed. No one can know how long before I can no longer be considered as ambulatory so I am seeking information now while I am still able.

What is the general opinion as to Euthanasia applied to Alzheimer's Patients?

Thank you in advance.

[Nana4&cntn]

Mont, first let me say, I am so sorry you have Alzheimer's at such an early age.

I think your question regarding Euthanasia is a very personal one, also it is illegal with the exception of Oregon.

I have a living will that states no tubes, IV's respirators etc in the event I become unable to make my own decisions for myself regarding my medical condition. This includes Alzheimer's and any type of coma, where it is unlikely I will return to me. My personal choice is Euthanasia, I choose not to be a burden on anyone or laying around not knowing what is going on. Again this is my personal choice.

I wish you all the best! Please feel free to join us in the Forum for Emotional Support forum, there are a group of very special people there, and some who have some experience with Alzheimer's. There is also an Alzheimer's Forum you may find out more info from care givers.

Please join us when you can, we will help any way we can!
((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))))
Kathy

[mont]

I can only reply or post when my brain and body permit and this is becoming less and less often.

I know this topic is difficult to address but as I said to one of my friends today:"Life is not a movie". My wife has finally accepted that I wont be here for much longer but my children know nothing about my condition. My sons, aged 5 and 9, know something is wrong for they can see my pain and almost daily trips to the doctors...how to tell them?

I have had a good life, have known and done all I ever wanted and I beleive have retained a clean (enough) soul. I'm not afraid of death but Gosh, I don't want to hurt so much.

I thank you so much for your kind words and I shall visit the forum whenever possible.

mont

[sakulin]

I have a friend who has an advanced case of Alzheimers and the condition is proving to be financially crippling to his wife. He is hostile and extremely difficult to manage. His wife is at a loss of how to handle the situation. Home care costs $4000 a month, a care facility $7000 a month, and soon she will be destitute. Her life has become a living hell. As the patient has lost his brain capacity and knowledge of who he and anybody else is, I believe the logical next step is euthanasia. I personally want my wife to euthanize me if I should ever reach this stage. Why continue to exist as a vegetable with absolutely no quality left in life. I might add that I am perfectly healthy as I write this but I am anticipating what could happen in the future. I believe that such a procedure may be available in the Netherlands.

[Ted Hutchinson]

A short stay in Switzerland (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a80aSibKdG8)

Part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezD0GddG1yM)
These 2 clips don't really convey the whole impact of the complete film but it's sufficient to make the point.

I don't know if you have watched The Alzheimer's project (http://www.hbo.com/alzheimers/) but it seems to me that there comes a point where quality of life doesn't justify the cost, trauma and pain of remaining alive.
I believe that if we made animals suffer in the way we make humans with Alzheimer's suffer, we would be prosecuted for cruelty.

I don't think there should be any pressure on you to make a decision one way or the other, but I hope if I were in your position you would not regard me as a coward for choosing the shorter route out. I cannot see the purpose in life when the inability to be aware of the current moment or even of the past is of any value.

If you are in pain and don't lnow who you are, where you are or what you are doing, what is the point?

I hope you have looked at Dr Mary Newports pages (http://www.coconutketones.com/) but having done everything possible then I think it is reasonable for you to decide whatever you decide while you still have the ability to carry out that decision.
I would be afraid of leaving it too late. But if you have people who you can trust then this may not be such an issue.

[Naominjw]

My personal choice for myself is euthanasia. I feel we treat our pets more humanely than other human beings.

My parents have let me know that they would appreciate all help dying short of me being arrested.

My husband, on the other hand wants all measures taken to allow him to live. That's his choice for now.

To me, I am not afraid of dying, but I am afraid of living past a point. When I took out a life insurance policy, I made sure it pays out even if I "suicide." I did not wish to be bound to agony just because the life insurance wouldn't pay.

When a relative with terminal cancer killed himself our family did not & does not even consider it "suicide." It is so different from suicide. We know suicide and call it suicide. To us, he simply died of cancer.

Some people would vehemently disagree. That's their prerogative. As others have said - this is intensely personal.

"Naomi"