1. Senior Exercise for Successful Aging Slideshow Pictures
2. Overcoming Sexual Problems as We Age Slideshow Pictures
3. 18 Secrets for a Longer Life Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

View Full Profile

Advance medical directive becomes effective only when a patient is no longer able to make their own decisions due to mental incapacity. This could be temporary or permanent. If temporary, the patient resumes decision making responsibilities once the temporary condition resolves.

Common situations in which a person may be temporarily or permanently unable or incapable of making complex judgment or end of life decisions are

• coma (from any cause);
• stroke (if it results in coma or cognitive deterioration);
• moderate or severe dementia (Alzheimer's or other types);
• persistent vegetative state;
• severe illness requiring placement on breathing machine and inability to communicate;
• severe medical conditions such as advanced liver failure or kidney failure;
• traumatic brain injury resulting in the inability to make complex decisions.

Must Read Articles Related to Advance Directives

End-of-Life Decision Making End-of-life decision making typically involves creating two documents: an advance directive and a durable power of attorney for medical care.learn more >>

Hospital Admissions Hospital admissions information about going to the hospital, being admitted to the hospital, types of admissions, the admission process, your rights as a patien...learn more >>

Informed Consent Doctors will give you information about a particular treatment or test in order for you to decide whether or not you wish to undergo such treatment or test. Thi...learn more >>

See the Entire Advance Directives Topic Guide »