Former academic reveals shocking truth about his end-of-life choice
A Manchester-born professor with early-stage Alzheimers shares his unique approach to end-of-life planning. His story brings new perspective to the heated UK debate about assisted dying
Alex Pandolfo got life-changing news about 9 years ago - doctors told him he had Alzheimers disease and would need full-time care within 3-5 years. His dads painful battle with dementia (who passed away in early 2000s) made him think hard about his future
Those eyes staring at me‚ pleading ʼdo somethingʼ
After getting diagnosed the ex-academic made two plans: join Swiss group Lifecircle or use drugs to end things before getting too sick. The Swiss group said yes which changed everything: “Now I can focus on living‚“ he says
Living alone in his Morecambe home Pandolfo manages pretty well (despite what doctors predicted). He keeps track of daily tasks with his phone; gave away his books Pink Floyd albums and Man City stuff to charity. The working-class kid-turned-academic stays busy helping others learn about end-of-life choices
The UK might change its laws soon: new bill coming up for debate this winter. Recent poll shows 75% of Brits support assisted dying; though current proposal only covers people with 6 months to live
- Canada lets people choose if they have serious illness
- Swiss rules include dementia patients
- UK proposal needs more work says Pandolfo
He watches for signs that its time - cooking mistakes shower confusion or peoples reactions to his behavior. With a bit of humor he adds: “If Pep leaves Man City Id have to think about it too“
