Attitudes Towards Assisted Dying in Dementia: A Focus Group Study with Younger and Older Adults

Abstract

Objectives: To explore attitudes towards assisted dying in dementia (ADID) and the rationales underlying these attitudes, among younger and older adults. Method: We conducted separate focus groups with younger ( n = 11) and older adults ( n = 14) in the United Kingdom with personal or professional experience of dementia. Discussions were prompted by two vignettes depicting scenarios of ADID. The data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Though sometimes stronger in the older adults, many of the attitudes and underlying rationales were common across the age groups. Analysis generated four themes: ‘Perceptions of the disease’, ‘A case for empowerment’, ‘The morality of killing’ and ‘Logistical complexities’. Conclusions: For some, ADID was a hopeful alternative to the challenges they had witnessed in dementia. For others, the logistical problems surrounding ADID were insurmountable. Discussions were informed and insightful, highlighting the importance of including the general public in this ongoing debate.