May 12, 2010: Researchers of the VUmc Amsterdam centre performed a qualitative study in physicians and patients on the use of Advanced Euthanasia Directives (AED) in cases of dementia. This was published in the Dutch Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde (2010;154:A1273).
Notwithstanding the fact that patients with dementia sometimes completely met the requirements for due care as laid down in the Dutch Law, physicians often did not comply with such a (legal!) request, mostly out of fear for legal consequences. The researchers concluded that it seems advisable that more detailed practical guidelines for the use of AEDs in cases of dementia be drawn up, as a first step to more clarity for patients and physicians.
An English excerpt can be read by clicking here.