Neurology. 2026 May 26;106(10):e218032. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000218032. Epub 2026 May 4.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) has been available across Canada since 2016 for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We aimed to characterize MAiD use, identify associated factors, and compare survival and location of death in a Canadian ALS cohort.
METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with ALS followed at a Canadian multidisciplinary clinic who died between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2024. Patient characteristics were described by MAiD status. Factors associated with MAiD utilization were evaluated using regression analyses, and survival and location of death were compared between patients who did and did not pursue MAiD.
RESULTS: Of 255 patients (median age 67 years [IQR 60-75]; 42% female), 55 (21.6%) underwent MAiD. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) use was inversely associated with MAiD utilization (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.15-0.78), whereas demographic and disease characteristics were not associated with MAiD. Survival from diagnosis to death was shorter among patients who underwent MAiD (median 12 vs 14 months; p = 0.019), with no difference from symptom onset. Death at home was more frequent with MAiD (62% vs 35%; p < 0.001).
DISCUSSION: MAiD is a common end-of-life option in ALS, reflecting patient values and is associated with lower PEG use, shorter postdiagnosis survival, and more frequent death at home.
PMID:42081784 | DOI:10.1212/WNL.0000000000218032
