03 October 2007

Grant enables research on Alzheimer’s and euthanasia

A prestigious grant is allowing two RMIT University researchers to study how Alzheimer’s disease impacts on the euthanasia debate.

Professor Megan-Jane Johnstone and Adjunct Professor Olga Kanitsaki, from the University’s Division of Nursing and Midwifery, have received a Hazel Hawke Research Grant in Dementia of $20,000.

Professor Johnstone said both she and Adjunct Professor Kanitsaki were humbled and honoured by the opportunity the grant provided to further promote Hazel Hawke’s work in the awareness of the challenge of living with Alzheimer’s disease.

The grant will fund a study to investigate how Alzheimer’s and people suffering from it are portrayed in the media, literature and official documents and the impact on people’s perceptions of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.

Professor Johnstone said that over the past decade euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide had developed as a public and moral policy issue.

“Generally, although the debate has not been applicable to people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, there are signs this is beginning to change,” said Professor Johnstone.

“It is hoped the study will identify ways in which discussion on these issues can be progressed to not disadvantage the welfare interests and care of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” she said.

The study’s findings would help to identify how literature, on both sides of the debate, was used to advance viewpoints and to influence policy and practice, said Professor Johnstone.

“Its findings will also be used to assist in evaluating national and international statements on health and human rights, and the extent to which these are helpful in promoting the moral and welfare interests of sufferers in arenas which are favouring the legislation of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.”

The grant comes during Australia’s Dementia Month, which ends on 17 October.

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