Alzheimer’s Breakthrough – The Start of a Long Road

Will Assisted Suicide be here sooner?

I read with much interest the recent announcement that a new drug from Eli Lilley was being hailed as a turning point  in the fight against Alzheimer’s, after a global trial confirmed it slows cognitive decline.

Although it is not a cure, which is still along way off, it would appear that the drug marks a new era where the disease can be treated. The downside is that it works against Alzheimer’s, but not other types of dementia such vascular dementia.

As I grow older the two things I perhaps fear most, even more than the long-term issues of the excess population of the world, are the thought of being affected by either Cancer or Dementia.

Both are diseases where there is no real cure and once you have them then, to be honest, your days are definitely numbered, despite wonderful nursing for both be available.

So when I see positive advances in either of these nasty killers, I feel that perhaps one day there may be a cure for both of them, but realistically that day is a log way off, but fortunately there are wonderful scientists and doctors that are striving to find the ultimate cure and more power to their elbow.

I am not sure how I would particularly cope with either of these dreadful depleting illnesses, I have spoken with my children about what they should do with me if I ever got dementia.

I hope they will carry out my wishes to leave me to it and not let my potential illness ruin their lives, who would want to deal with someone that doesn’t remember them or anything else.

My mind and physical good health are paramount to my current wellbeing, and the thought of me not being in control of my life in the event of ever being terminally ill is a worry.

I believe that everyone should have the right to decide if they want to die, and to when they end their life and I do hope that in my lifetime the UK will adopt assisted suicide where it is appropriate.

I find those that oppose its legality are rather small minded and selfish. Their concerns regarding its improper use can be clearly legislated for, by ensuring at least 2 or 3 independent bodies agree on its suitability for implication.

To be honest, we possibly treat our animals with greater respect than we do our fellow human beings, and while I know my thoughts are well supported, they are I recognise, similarly opposed by many.

I do however believe that assisted suicide is more likely to be legalised sooner than we will have a wonder cure for either cancer or dementia, but hopefully I am proven wrong….but no doubt time will tell.