Alzheimer’s Disease was first described by the German psychiatrist, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, in 1907. Dr. Alzheimer had studied a patient’s demented behavior, and after her death at age 56, he examined her damaged brain tissue under a microscope. Little did Dr. Alzheimer know that 100-plus years later, the 6th leading cause of death in the United States would bear his name: Alzheimer’s Disease.
His name is now associated with suffering for the patient and family, nursing homes, death, and financial devastation. And sadly, the disease is affecting more and more people. In 2013, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
Alzheimer’s Disease is an irreversible, progressive disorder in which brain cells deteriorate, resulting in the loss of memory, judgment, reasoning, etc. There are seven stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, which are discussed at www.alz.org. Since care needs are extensive during the later stages, the personal care needs and supervision will likely exceed what a family member can provide at home. This may mean moving the person into a facility to get the care needed.
Deciding on the appropriate facility to provide late-stage care is difficult and emotional. The decision often depends on how the disease affects the patient. Many victims experience aggression, paranoia, personality changes, delusions, nighttime agitation/hostility, and other difficult behaviors. For these victims, appropriate medication is critical. However, successful behavior control requires a good family advocate, appropriate legal documents to allow the family member to make decisions for the victim, a good physician who is accessible and understands the disease, and trial and error.
The disease can also be financially devastating, as care facilities are very expensive and medical insurance does not cover the cost. Planning and action should occur immediately when the symptoms are first noticed. Legal documents, incapacity planning, asset protection, and a plan for affordable long-term care are all needed. There is no cure for this tragic disease that kills billions of brain cells, and the cause remains unknown. Our clients tell us that the planning done with our assistance is invaluable, and helped them to understand and navigate the very difficult journey.
For more information, please call the Law Office of Jane M. McNamara at 661-287-3260. Visit online at www.JaneMcNamara.com or www.vabenefits4seniors.com.