A conversation about MAiD and dementia

Everything you wanted to know about MAiD and dementia but were afraid to ask.

Join Dr. Gord Gubitz, neurologist and Clinical Lead for Nova Scotia’s MAiD Program, for a timely Ask Me Anything session focused on one of the most complex and frequently misunderstood areas of MAiD: dementia.

What happens when someone is diagnosed with dementia and wants to understand their options for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)? What can be decided early — and what can’t? And how do capacity, consent, and timing really work?

Dementia is one of the most misunderstood areas of MAiD. Public conversations are often shaped by fear, headlines, or incomplete information, leaving patients and families unsure about what the law allows and how decisions are made in practice.

In this 60-minute online Q&A, Dr. Gubitz will answer real questions from the public and health-care community, clarify common misconceptions, and explain how MAiD and dementia intersect in Canada today.

This session is open to everyone and will be especially valuable for:

• People living with early dementia and those supporting them
• Family members and caregivers
• Clinicians and MAiD assessors/providers
• Learners considering future involvement in MAiD care

Some questions we’ll explore include:

• When should someone with a dementia diagnosis begin talking about MAiD?
• How does consent work as dementia progresses?
• How are advance requests, living wills, etc. managed in the context of MAiD? 
• Who can diagnose dementia for the purposes of MAiD?
• Do you need to choose a specific date when making a request?

Dr. Gubitz will provide an overview about MAiD and dementia and open the floor for your questions and comments. This is a safe space and differing points of view are welcome.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Pre-submit your question(s) about MAiD and dementia here.