Voluntary Assisted Dying Needs and Preferences of Australians Living with Dementia

Strategic Insights -

Research has explored the experiences of individuals living with dementia regarding voluntary assisted dying (VAD). The study, conducted by researchers at Charles Sturt University, aimed to capture the perspectives of people with dementia on VAD-related needs and preferences. Thirty-six participants living with dementia in Australia self-selected to participate in an online survey, which found that the vast majority wanted the option to access VAD themselves. Most also wanted provisions for accessing VAD through advance care directives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that the vast majority of participants (85%) wanted the option to access VAD themselves.
  • Most participants (72%) wanted provisions for accessing VAD through advance care directives.
  • The participants expressed concerns about potential end-of-life suffering and loss of dignity, with their VAD preferences often aligned with their wish to maintain autonomy and human rights.
  • This study is the first known Australian research to explore VAD from the perspective of people living with dementia, providing critical insights into their experiences as stakeholders in a highly contested policy and practice environment.
  • The study challenges misconceptions about the capacity of people living with dementia to contribute to VAD research and demonstrates their importance as living experience experts and key stakeholders with clear needs and preferences for their end-of-life care.
  • The study's findings highlight the need to include the perspectives of people living with dementia in research-informed policy and practice.
  • The study suggests that advance care directives should be a priority for people with dementia who wish to access VAD.
  • The research was supported by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.
  • The study's lead author is Adrienne Matthys, a researcher at Charles Sturt University.
  • Additional authors include Bernadette Moorhead and Belinda Cash.

Statistics:

  • 36 people living with dementia participated in the online survey.
  • 85% of participants wanted to access VAD themselves.
  • 72% wanted provisions for accessing VAD through advance care directives.
  • The study was peer-reviewed.

Sources:

  • "it Should Be My Choice': Voluntary Assisted Dying Needs and Preferences of Australians Living With Dementia." Ageing & Society, 2025, Cambridge Univ Press, Edinburgh Bldg, Shaftesbury Rd, CB2 8RU Cambridge, England.
  • NewsRx. Researchers at Charles Sturt University Report New Data on Dementia ('it Should Be My Choice': Voluntary Assisted Dying Needs and Preferences of Australians Living With Dementia). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 862.