Rusty Martin, a 66-year-old retired communications director from Des Moines, Iowa, died on August 18 after choosing to end his life through physician-assisted euthanasia in Switzerland. Martin’s decision followed a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive and incurable condition that affects memory, cognition, and physical function.
Martin, who worked for 24 years as the communications director for Democratic senators in Iowa, shared publicly that receiving the diagnosis brought both devastation and unexpected relief. He said the diagnosis explained the recent decline in his ability to function and his growing anxiety. Despite his distress, Martin emphasized his desire to maintain control over the timing and manner of his death rather than face a prolonged decline or institutionalization.
After the diagnosis, Martin began preparing to travel to a suburb of Zurich to access the services of Dignitas, a Swiss organization that legally assists terminally ill individuals in ending their lives. He explained that the process requires evaluations by two doctors to confirm mental capacity, which influenced his decision to act sooner than he might have preferred.
Martin cited the lack of legal options in Iowa as a major factor in his choice to go abroad. Iowa does not have laws permitting medical aid in dying, and proposed legislation on death with dignity has been repeatedly rejected by the state legislature. He noted that while some states, such as Illinois, have enacted laws allowing physician-assisted death for patients with a prognosis of six months or less, these laws typically exclude many Alzheimer’s patients, whose mental capacity may decline long before physical death.
In contrast, Martin referenced Canada’s laws permitting assisted dying for competent individuals with Alzheimer’s, underscoring that such policies include safeguards to prevent misuse while addressing patients’ suffering and autonomy.
Martin described his last months as a balance between maintaining physical activity—running, biking, and weightlifting—to temporarily mitigate Alzheimer’s-related cognitive decline, and preparing for his planned departure. He expressed concerns about potential injuries or illnesses that could hinder his ability to manage the timing of his death.
He also reflected on the impact of Alzheimer’s on his relationships, particularly with his wife Kay Meyer, who has been his primary caregiver and support for nearly three decades. Despite the challenges ahead, Martin remained surrounded by family and friends, who supported his decision.
Martin called on Iowa legislators to reconsider their stance on death with dignity laws, advocating for greater autonomy for terminally ill patients. He urged residents to communicate with their representatives about expanding end-of-life options, emphasizing that personal choice in such circumstances should not require traveling out of state or country.
His public disclosure of his journey highlighted the ongoing debate over assisted dying rights in the United States and the complex challenges faced by individuals confronting progressive neurological diseases.