More on Voting and Alzheimer’s Patients

VOTING & ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS

This seems a popular topic, particularly at this time of year. Readers are responding to my post, with their thoughts about whether people with dementia or Alzheimer’s should be allowed to vote…and at what stage.

Alicia, from Mental Health Notes left this comment:

Wow, what a thought-provoking bunch of questions!

I don’t know that there should be any kind of legal deciding factor in when an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient can no longer vote, but I do think that as long as the patient can say, “I want to vote for [candidate] this year,” the patient should be allowed to do so.  Let’s face it: There are Americans out there with perfectly healthy minds who vote for whomever their friends, family members, employers, etc. tell them to vote for every election year. I think if an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient wants to vote, and has even the slightest mental clarity enough to do so, then so be it.

Edie, from Elder Care Cafe,  shares her thoughts:

My father shows signs of Alzheimer’s, but at 86 he knows who the candidates are and is strong in his opinions. He voted by absentee ballot as he is almost totally blind. I agree with this post that, as long as they are aware of who is running and they have expressed the desire to vote, they should do so.

Do you have thoughts on this topic?

(Amazon image)