Geriatricians’ Attitudes Toward Assisting Suicide of Dementia Patients

This study identified geriatricians’ attitudes toward assisting suicide of dementia patients, with reference to the case of Janet Adkins/Dr. Kevorkian. 727 internist geriatricians responded to a mailed questionnaire survey. Most respondents would not consider assisting the suicide of dementia patients, & most oppose easing restrictions on physician-assisted suicide. Many could accept the suicide of a competent dementia patient & many would consider suicide themselves if stricken with dementia.