There are many forms of Dementia. One of the most well known is Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss, confusion, and eventually, a decline in all cognitive functions.
It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the only cause of death that is not preventable, treatable, or curable.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, an estimated 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, and that number is expected to grow to nearly 13 million by 2050. The cost of caring for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias is also expected to rise, reaching $1 trillion by 2050.
There are a number of risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, including age, family history, and certain genetic mutations. However, the exact cause of the disease is still unknown.
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but there are a number of treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have Alzheimer's disease, it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for improving the quality of life for people with Alzheimer's disease. It’s also important that you connect with a certified elder law attorney early on in the diagnosis.
Creating an estate plan and long term care plan with a certified elder law attorney while the person with the dementia is still able to make decisions, sign legal documents, and lay the foundation for care when things progress. The peace of mind this can bring the person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is priceless.
Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease:
Eat a healthy diet
Exercise regularly
Stay mentally active
Get enough sleep
Manage stress
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use
Get regular medical checkups
If you have a family history of Alzheimer's disease, talk to your doctor about your risk
If you are concerned about Alzheimer's disease, there are a number of resources available to help you. The Alzheimer's Association is a great resource for information, support, and advocacy. You can also find information and support online at the Alzheimer's Association website.
Additionally, our legal team and our life care planning team are available for support, guidance, and legal planning. Not only are six of our team members Certified Dementia Practitioners, we also have two licensed social workers, and our legal team is knowledgeable and experienced at finding ways to pay for care.
If you’re not ready to speak with our team, that’s okay too. We have a list of Dementia Resources for you to explore on our website.
We know an Alzheimer’s or Dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming. Places like the Alzheimer’s Association and us, Mannor Law Group, are here to help.
