Alzheimer's Disease, Media Representations and the Politics of Euthanasia

This is by far and away the most engaging and compelling discussion of the politics of euthanasia as it has converged on the lives of the most deeply forgetful, whose morally protected status under the principle of "do no harm" is regularly undermined by sweeping negative generalizations in media and politics about their experiences. The idea that their lives mean so little is popularized by 'hypercognitive' and "hypereconomic" outsiders who not only fail to understand the experience of dementia, but who use the deeply forgetful as convenient pawns in their political-ideological games. Here we finally have a book that reclaims dignity. Stephen G. Post, Stony Brook University, New York This book demonstrates how perceptions of dementia have changed. Alzheimers disease in particular is presented as a terrifying calamity with pre-emptive euthanasia as ultimate remedy. Portraying this disease as worse than death fuels an ideological crusade to promote ending life as a treatment option. It is time to stop this pro-death propaganda. Dr. Johnstone provides the arguments and strategies. Henk ten Have, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, USA 'Considering the emotionally charged and rather specialized topic, the text may be suited to mental health practitioners working with older adults, particularly those concerned with end-of-life care. Professionals with a distinct interest in normative, media or linguistic issues may find it equally attractive. ... Megan-Jayne Johnstone provides a valuable perspective onto potential broadcasting biases an important ethical issue of our times.' Journal of Mental Health 'For those interested in understanding the current debate and enhancing their ability to critique, implement and create subsequently related policies, it is likely that this book will be of great help. ... this book will be an excellent addition to the library of academics, students, doctors, clinicians and caregivers.' Critical Social Policy 'This is an exce "...an interesting sociological take on Alzheimers disease and the construction of the euthanasia debate. As such, it will appeal to readers from those disciplines seeking to explore techniques used in the media and political debate in greater depth." Laura Pritchard-Jones, Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, School of Law, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK, Medical Law Review

Megan-Jane Johnstone is Professor of Nursing and Director of the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research at Deakin University, Australia. She is author of Bioethics: A Nursing Perspective, Nursing and the Injustices of the Law, and co-author of Ethics in Nursing Practice.

Chapter 1 The Alzheimerization of the Euthanasia Debate; Chapter 2 The Incidence and Impact of Alzheimers Disease; Chapter 3 Media Representations, Metaphors, and the Stigmatization of Alzheimers Disease; Chapter 4 Curbing Demand for Acute Healthcare Services; Chapter 5 The Euthanasia Option; Chapter 6 Mobilizing Political Support for the Legalization of Euthanasia; Chapter 7 Propaganda, 'Dirty Tricks' Fallacies, and Opposing Points-of-view; Chapter 8 Selling Death; Chapter 9 Alzheimers Disease and Euthanasia as a Symbolic System of Control; Chapter 10 Euthanasia Politics and Public Opinion;