For most patients with dementia, by the time they have a prognosis of six months or less, they lack the capacity to make medical decisions. This means they do not meet the End of Life Options Act (EOLOA) criteria.

 

However, there are other options for dementia patients while they still have capacity, including VSED (Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking).

 

VSED is a conscious decision by an individual to stop eating and drinking with the intention of hastening death. This approach leads to a natural death over a period of days to weeks. While VSED doesn’t require medical intervention, it is recommended to have healthcare professionals involved to provide comfort care during the process to ensure patients making this choice do not suffer. VSED has no specific criteria for eligibility, and is gaining in visibility. However, to quote Dr Quill, a VSED advocate, "It is for strong-willed, independent people with very supportive families.”