In 2004, before receiving a diagnosis of dementia, Dr. Jauhar’s father expressed that he did not want extraordinary measures to prolong his life in the event of severe illness. Dr. Jauhar has conflicting memories of his father’s past competence as a geneticist and his present vulnerability experiencing dementia. The entire family grapples with the decision of whose wishes to prioritize regarding the medical treatment. As his father’s condition deteriorates rapidly, the family attempts to provide care at home but is ultimately confronted with the distressing decision of whether to continue medical intervention or withdraw treatment.
This heart-wrenching experience has compelled Dr. Jauhar to reconsider his stance on advance directives for end-of-life care, which he explores in an opinion piece for The New York Times.
For more information see Sandeep Jauhar “My Father Didn’t Want to Live if He Had Dementia. But Then He Had It” The New York Times, October 23, 2023.
Special thanks to Lewis Saret (Attorney, Washington, D.C.) for bringing this article to my attention.
