Mother With Alzheimer’s Is Choosing to End Her Life

Rebecca Luna, a 48-year-old single mother and child protective services worker, began experiencing alarming “mental blips,” such as losing mid-sentence thoughts and blanking during conversations. Initially attributing these episodes to stress or menopause, she was diagnosed last November with early-onset Alzheimer’s, also known as young-onset dementia, confirmed through MRIs and spinal-tap protein analysis.

Alzheimer’s Prognosis and Precautions

Rebecca learned that this form of Alzheimer’s typically progresses over approximately eight years from diagnosis, significantly shorter than later-onset forms. As part of her planning, she launched a GoFundMe to cover future expenses, anticipating that she would eventually be unable to work or live independently while caring for her children.

Choosing Assisted Dying

As her cognition began deteriorating rapidly, Rebecca made the profoundly personal decision to pursue medical assistance in dying (MAID) in Canada. She aims to end her life before her condition erases her identity and ability to function, prioritizing control over a disease she compares to a long, traumatic decline.

She shared openly on TikTok and in interviews that near-daily memory failures no longer feel like simple glitches: “It feels black… blank,” she explained. Although she has discussed her choice with her older daughter, she is still contemplating how to approach the subject with her younger child.

Early-Onset Alzheimer’s: The Broader Context

Early-onset Alzheimer’s affects individuals under 65 and accounts for about 5–10% of cases. Often genetic, only 10–15% of these cases come from known familial mutations; others are sporadic. Its symptoms mimic typical Alzheimer’s, including memory loss, impaired judgment, and personality changes, though they often escalate faster.

The Emotional and Ethical Toll

Rebecca’s choice underscores the emotional and ethical complexities faced by patients with degenerative, debilitating diagnoses. While MAID is legal in Canada for terminal illnesses, early adoption for Alzheimer’s is still debated. Care advocates highlight the need for palliative care and robust family guidance to support both the individual and their dependents.

Supporting Others in the Fight

Her journey—and accompanying fundraising—spotlight the strain placed on families when a parent loses decision-making capacity prematurely. As cognitive decline impacts daily life, access to financial, medical, and emotional support becomes essential. In regions without legalized assisted dying for dementia, palliative treatments and memory-care services are critical stopgaps.

You might also want to read: Could Your Personality Traits Be the Key To Alzheimer’s Prevention?