Bay Area Voice: Those diagnosed with dementia also deserve to have a choice about future

My husband of 52 years wanted to die at home, but he could not do so under California’s End of Life Option Act.

A retired psychologist, voracious reader, and enthusiastic amateur musician, his diagnosis of early dementia in 2020 led him to a decision: He would not allow his disease to rob him of his autonomy and his dignity. Instead, he would end his life before that happened. For him, sacrificing some good time was worthwhile if he could avoid the devastation that he knew awaited him if his disease were to run its course.