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[A living will--autonomy in dementive states].
Yaron Niv1, Galia Niv, Zohar Levi
1Department of Gastroenterology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Tel Aviv University. yniv@clalit.org.il
Harefuah
|November 4, 2004
Summary
Elderly individuals in protected homes largely oppose artificial feeding and advanced medical interventions for dementia, even against their will. Most support living wills to refuse such life-sustaining treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Bioethics
- Neurology
Context:
- End-of-life care decisions for patients with dementia are complex and ethically challenging.
- Caregiver beliefs often emphasize the necessity of artificial nutrition and hydration, sometimes conflicting with patient autonomy.
- Understanding the perspectives of the elderly on life support is crucial for advance care planning.
Purpose:
- To assess the opinions of elderly individuals on tube feeding and advanced medical procedures in the context of dementia.
- To explore their preferences regarding life support in various stages of cognitive decline.
- To gauge their willingness to utilize living wills for medical interventions in dementia.
Summary:
- A study surveyed 61 residents (average age 83) of protected homes regarding their views on life support for dementia.
- Over 70% opposed life support in early dementia stages, and over 80% opposed it in later stages.
- Ninety-five percent favored living wills to refuse tube feeding and advanced therapies for dementia.
Impact:
- Findings highlight a strong preference among the elderly for autonomy in end-of-life decisions concerning dementia.
- This research can inform healthcare providers and policymakers about patient wishes regarding artificial nutrition and advanced medical treatments.
- The study underscores the importance of advance care planning and respecting patient autonomy in dementia care settings.