It kills almost 10 per cent of Australians. But dementia patients have no say in how they die

It kills almost 10 per cent of Australians. But dementia patients have no say in how they die

As Victoria’s landmark voluntary assisted dying legislation comes up for review,doctors,families and patients are calling for the scheme to be expanded to include people with dementia.

  • byMelissa Cunningham andHenrietta Cook

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As a geriatrician,I’ve treated hundreds of dementia patients. They deserve a choice
Opinion
Opinion

As a geriatrician,I’ve treated hundreds of dementia patients. They deserve a choice

As the voluntary assisted dying legislation comes up for review,the challenging issue of end-of-life care for people who have lost capacity needs to be considered.

  • byKate Gregorevic
An irresponsible budget? Those in need are no better off

An irresponsible budget? Those in need are no better off

A “smoke and mirrors” budget which proves that It doesn’t matter who you vote for,you’ll always elect a politician.

My mother-in-law chose to die with dignity. Dementia sufferers deserve the same right
Opinion
Euthanasia

My mother-in-law chose to die with dignity. Dementia sufferers deserve the same right

Descending through dementia’s seven stages into a “catastrophic vegetative state” is a terrifying prospect. Yet Voluntary Assisted Dying is not an option.

  • byMichael Bachelard
A Sydney chemist hunted this molecule for a decade. Now it’s worth $273 million
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Science

A Sydney chemist hunted this molecule for a decade. Now it’s worth $273 million

Chemicals that replicate the body’s “love drug” could be key to treating dementia,depression and schizophrenia.

  • byAngus Dalton
Stephen was diagnosed with dementia at 60. Then he was shown the door
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Healthcare

Stephen was diagnosed with dementia at 60. Then he was shown the door

People with dementia are more likely to self-harm in the 12 months after they are diagnosed,but few are given the support to adjust to life with the degenerative condition.

  • byAngus Thomson
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Want to avoid dementia? You need this ‘very powerful’ relationship in your life

Want to avoid dementia? You need this ‘very powerful’ relationship in your life

Being married or romantically involved doesn’t necessarily reduce your dementia risk,with a new study finding people mostly need someone to confide in.

  • bySarah Berry
How a doctor keeps her brain sharp

How a doctor keeps her brain sharp

Many assume it’s time to break out Sudoku or crosswords,but socialising can be just as beneficial for your brain.

  • byEvelyn Lewin
Why Owen Wright is walking away from competitive surfing,while he still can

Why Owen Wright is walking away from competitive surfing,while he still can

Rob Wright literally drove his son and saltwater fuelled family to surfing greatness. His drift into early onset dementia has helped convince his son Owen to walk away from competitive surfing.

  • byDan Walsh
‘We’re not patient enough’:how to help people living with dementia

‘We’re not patient enough’:how to help people living with dementia

Bruce Willis’ wife has pleaded with the public and paparazzi to leave him alone following his dementia diagnosis. So,how can we help others with the condition?

  • byLauren Ironmonger
Bruce Willis’ wife appeals to paparazzi to stop yelling at him

Bruce Willis’ wife appeals to paparazzi to stop yelling at him

Emma Heming Willis,the Hollywood star’s wife,has made an emotional appeal to raise awareness about dementia.

  • byGarry Maddox