Euthanasia in patients with dementia and an advance euthanasia directive:towards practical guidance

Euthanasia in cases of advanced dementia based on a written advance directive is rare. The law is primarily designed for situations in which the physician and a competent patient discuss the request together. In dementia, meeting the due care criteria of the euthanasia law is complex, leaving physicians – even after rulings by the Supreme Court – confronted with dilemmas. The law allows room for individual judgment but places full responsibility on the physician, who may also experience societal pressure. In decision-making, communication with the person with dementia carries significant weight, alongside observations, discussions with healthcare professionals, and input from relatives. 

Result

Within this project, the Euthanasia & Dementia Decision Aid was developed: a practical tool that supports physicians in careful decision-making, while ultimate responsibility always remains with the physician.