Discussion Dementia,depression, and assisted dying

[LittleJem]

I was just thinking about dementia, and how you are allowed to have assisted dying in USA in some states I think, for dementia. I read about one woman who decided to go when she forgot how to put her eye make up on.

I don't think dementia is that different from depression. I don't put make up on anymore because I'm too depressed, and have lost so many parts of myself and anything I used to enjoy. Just because I might remember them, the fact is that I don't do them.

Here's me wishing for assisted dying. I don't live in USA though either, so it is wishful thinking.

I am taking so many benzos atm that I am at risk for dementia. Imagine, a lifetime of depression, then dementia. Hope I escape this fate.

 

[Forever Sleep]

I'm actually more surprised they consider people with dementia eligible for assisted suicide. Seeing as I imagine that could be a genuine cause to worry someone isn't in their right mind- to understand and make such a big decision. I suppose they go on advice from doctors a lot.

I have worked around people suffering with dementia and very sadly- some really didn't have a good grip on reality.

Maybe they believe depression is more treatable than alzeimers etc. I'm not so sure. I suppose people suffering dementia symptoms are often older too- with the probability things will only get worse- rather than better.

I do understand your frustration though. It also seems obvious to me that depression can enormously diminish a person's quality of life. Plus- some people do seem resistant to lots of different treatments. Just how long should they be expected to be experimented on till doctors concede nothing can be done?