To what extent do theories of personal identity support or oppose the execution of advance euthanasia directives for patients experiencing severe cognitive impairment?

This project examines a case study on euthanasia and the ethical debate surrounding it, drawing on philosophical theories of identity. The case study involves a patient with Alzheimer's, whose advance euthanasia directive (AED) was followed, although she expressed a change of heart after the onset of her condition. This creates an ethical dilemma regarding whether or not euthanasia can proceed as per an advance directive if the patient’s mind has changed, and whether or not the cognitive impairment caused by such a condition is sufficient argument for the patient’s wishes to be overruled. In this project, I will use theories of personal identity to discuss the validity of the AED, thereby evaluating the morality of the decision taken.