You have a loved one who's showing signs of memory loss and you're concerned that it might be Alzheimer's disease. Of course, it's important that you talk to your doctor as soon as your loved one starts to show signs of memory loss or dementia.
And even though you may be fearing the worst...that it's Alzheimer's disease...there are any number of less serious reasons why someone might be experiencing memory loss or dementia. Not all of them are related to Alzheimer's...but some of them have very similar symptoms.
In either case, once diagnosed you start to worry about what your next steps should be. You don't know exactly what to do but you do know that you want to provide your loved one with the best possible care. And then you begin to realize the potential cost of caring for someone with a disease that can last for 10 or even 20 years. Can you lose everything to Alzheimer's?
Bear Up, Plan Ahead
So, you've locked down the medical side of things. Now, it's time for you to take crucial steps on the legal and financial side of things. That's because the cost of care for someone with Alzheimer's is incredibly expensive. Studies show that the cost of care in South Florida averages more than $174,000 for an Alzheimer's patient over his or her lifetime.
And while that may sound outrageous...when you consider the cost of adult daycare at $50 per day, the cost for an Alzheimer's Assisted Living or Memory Care community in surrounding areas averages at least $3,000 per month...or that the cost of a South Florida Alzheimer's Nursing Home is typically more than $6,500 per month, you quickly realize that the $174,000 lifetime figure may be low!
Fortunately, there are often programs available to help you, which you should consider immediately. The first step is to consult with a board certified elder law attorney who understands the disease, works with Alzheimer's clients and knows the ins and outs of these programs.
Be Informed! Information is Power It's critical that you and your loved ones have a chance to put the proper planning in place while there is still time. When Alzheimer's or memory loss is part of the equation, unless their wishes have been put down in writing, then the law may say you have no legal merit to act on their behalf.
The law in Florida states the Alzheimer's patient must have the legal capacity (i.e. the ability to understand) the planning steps that are being put into place on their behalf. That's why once diagnosed, the family of an Alzheimer's sufferer needs to act in a timely fashion: while the Alzheimer's patient can participate in the planning. The longer you wait, the greater the risk becomes for a Guardianship proceeding which means court and cost!
Advance Directives are a suite of legal documents that once executed, can put a trusted family member(s) in a position to act and make decisions on the behalf of the mentally incapacitated patient. These documents, if executed well, hold water for legal, financial and healthcare related situations.
Act Now! With Alzheimer's There May Be No Time Like the Present Making informed decisions may become difficult or even impossible over time. The longer you wait, the greater the risk becomes. But with proper planning, you will ensure that you've taken the best steps possible to protect your loved ones and your family's financial security. With Alzheimer's that means retaining an experienced, board certified elder law attorney who will have your loved one's best interests at heart.
Alice Reiter Feld, PA, BCS, CELA
Alice Reiter Feld, P.A., BCS, CELA is a Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney by The Florida Bar and The National Elder Law Foundation. She is AV-Rated, the highest rating afforded to attorneys. With over 25 years' experience, Alice recognizes the proliferation and non-discriminate nature of Alzheimer's disease which affects Americans, both young and old. That's why her firm has made a significant investment in extending, FREE of charge, the best materials and resources that address the unique needs of the caregivers for Alzheimer's patients: http://www.southfloridamemorylawyer.com. She is sought-after to address community and professional organizations as a staunch advocate for Alzheimer's awareness. If you are interested in inviting Alice Reiter to speak to your group or organization please forward your request to: info@florida-elderlaw.com or call: 954.726.6602.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Alzheimer's Disease - Nun Study
It is estimated by 2050 there will be more than 14 million Americans who will suffer from Alzheimer's. While it is commonly associated with old age, there is a growing number of people in their 40s who are being diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. For over 20 years a longitudinal study has been underway to find the causes of this dreadful disease.
In 1986, Dr. David Snowdon, University of Minnesota began his work with a group of nuns called the School Sisters of Notre Dame. It is a landmark study, which continues to this day. What makes this study so extraordinary, is that 678 nuns have agreed to volunteer their brains upon their deaths. Since Alzheimer's can only be accurately diagnosed through autopsy, their generosity has helped researchers to have a better understanding of AD.
One of the factors that makes these nuns such ideal candidates, is their homogeneity. Most of them had been together for seventy years or so and had the same diet and life-style and so forth.
Researchers from different disciplines (psychology, neurology, pediatrics,and the School of Public Health) have access to this growing body of information, as well.
Most nuns were in their 80's to 100's,but had entered the convent at the age of 22. Upon entering the convent the nuns were required to write essays introducing themselves. What Dr. Snowdon observed was that the more dense with ideas their writings were, the less likely the nuns were to have Alzheimer's. Again, the more sophisticated their grammar, the less likely they were to have Alzheimer's. On the other hand, the less complex the writings were, the more likely they were to have Alzheimer's.
Emotional states were also predictors for Alzheimer's. Again, the more depressive the tone, the more likely the nuns were to have AZ.
Wait, it gets even more interesting. In some cases, Dr. Snowdon discovered that there were nuns who had all the neuronal tangles and plaques of full-blown AD, yet had demonstrated none of the symptoms! One of the nuns, who was 101 when she died had been teaching the higher mathematics shortly up until she died.
In terms of the nuns' writings, what does it mean? Did the chicken come first, or was it the egg? Does idea density, or lack thereof, determine if a person will get Alzheimer's? Or is a more simplistic way of writing an early manifestation of Alzheimer's?
One thing of note, is that nuns who were teachers (and who continued to teach), were less likely to experience AD, than those nuns who had been more service-oriented. Which seems like a case of use it or lose it.
Another interesting finding, dietary this time, was that nuns with high folate levels manifested hardly any Alzheimer's-type damage to their brain in their autopsies. This is explained as folate acts as a check against the amino acid, homocysteine, which has been implicated in cardiovascular disease. Higher levels of folate in the blood seems to offer protection against stroke--and might even protect brain cells from damage by homocysteine in the brain.
The Nun Study is continuing, and there are now a total of five chapters operating within the U.S.
In 1986, Dr. David Snowdon, University of Minnesota began his work with a group of nuns called the School Sisters of Notre Dame. It is a landmark study, which continues to this day. What makes this study so extraordinary, is that 678 nuns have agreed to volunteer their brains upon their deaths. Since Alzheimer's can only be accurately diagnosed through autopsy, their generosity has helped researchers to have a better understanding of AD.
One of the factors that makes these nuns such ideal candidates, is their homogeneity. Most of them had been together for seventy years or so and had the same diet and life-style and so forth.
Researchers from different disciplines (psychology, neurology, pediatrics,and the School of Public Health) have access to this growing body of information, as well.
Most nuns were in their 80's to 100's,but had entered the convent at the age of 22. Upon entering the convent the nuns were required to write essays introducing themselves. What Dr. Snowdon observed was that the more dense with ideas their writings were, the less likely the nuns were to have Alzheimer's. Again, the more sophisticated their grammar, the less likely they were to have Alzheimer's. On the other hand, the less complex the writings were, the more likely they were to have Alzheimer's.
Emotional states were also predictors for Alzheimer's. Again, the more depressive the tone, the more likely the nuns were to have AZ.
Wait, it gets even more interesting. In some cases, Dr. Snowdon discovered that there were nuns who had all the neuronal tangles and plaques of full-blown AD, yet had demonstrated none of the symptoms! One of the nuns, who was 101 when she died had been teaching the higher mathematics shortly up until she died.
In terms of the nuns' writings, what does it mean? Did the chicken come first, or was it the egg? Does idea density, or lack thereof, determine if a person will get Alzheimer's? Or is a more simplistic way of writing an early manifestation of Alzheimer's?
One thing of note, is that nuns who were teachers (and who continued to teach), were less likely to experience AD, than those nuns who had been more service-oriented. Which seems like a case of use it or lose it.
Another interesting finding, dietary this time, was that nuns with high folate levels manifested hardly any Alzheimer's-type damage to their brain in their autopsies. This is explained as folate acts as a check against the amino acid, homocysteine, which has been implicated in cardiovascular disease. Higher levels of folate in the blood seems to offer protection against stroke--and might even protect brain cells from damage by homocysteine in the brain.
The Nun Study is continuing, and there are now a total of five chapters operating within the U.S.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Link Between Aluminum Cookware and Alzheimer's Disease
A recent study brought dread and concern to millions of people using aluminum cookware. It is theorized that using aluminum cookware can trigger Alzheimer's disease. Take note that we are talking about high contents of aluminum to have a significant effect on the body. As an overview, Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative type of illness, and usually terminal. A person infected with it experiences dementia. He forgets the names of his loved ones and other important memories. It is caused by a lot of interacting factors like drug side effects. But more recently, it is also linked with the intake of high amounts of aluminum. And they point to aluminum cookware as the culprit.
For many years, people already know how aluminum salts can leach from a pan or pot and onto the food being cooked, especially if it is acidic. This is the very reason why aluminum-lined cookware is strictly prohibited in some countries like France, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, Hungary, Brazil and Switzerland.
Although it is still allowed in the US, many of their aluminum cookware is now lined with non-stick coatings. Aside from this, most aluminum cookware is anodized. This means aluminum components were dipped into a type of hot acid bath, sealing it and changing its molecular structure.
Aluminum foil leaching is proven to be true. The logic behind this is that aluminum foils are produced when aluminum passes between pressurized rollers.
Aluminum is the third most abundant element. It is unavoidable that when we eat, drink or breathe, we constantly take in small quantities of this element. There is nothing to worry about because our bodies are adapted to remove it again. Studies reveal that only as little as .001% of aluminum is present in our digestive tracks. Our kidneys also immediately excrete the aluminum absorbed by our bodies.
The dilemma now lies in our changing world. With industrialization, pollution and all other natural hazards present in the environment, we are becoming more exposed to excessive amounts of aluminum. In fact, Alzheimer's is just one of the many diseases we can get from excessive absorption of aluminum.
Alzheimer's is triggered by many factors, not just aluminum. And if aluminum content is the concern, it is found in greater quantities in water supplies. It is therefore inconclusive to avoid aluminum cookware to prevent Alzheimer's.
However, the direct link between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease is still ongoing several tests to ascertain theories. And for much concern, Alzheimer's is brought about by a lot of other factors. It is a given that aluminum is one of the most popular element used in manufacturing kitchen items. Its lightweight characteristic is perfect for easy manipulation and maneuverability of several kitchen tools and utensils.
The important thing to remember is to always be safe in the cooking methods we practice. Because any material, aluminum or otherwise, can be causes of diseases if we are not careful. There is practically a certain degree of hazard in any kind of material used in kitchenware. Copper can rust and contaminate food also. Other metals like iron are also easily corrosive. So they are actually not any different with aluminum.
For more information on Aluminum Cookware and Professional Cookware Selection please visit our website.
For many years, people already know how aluminum salts can leach from a pan or pot and onto the food being cooked, especially if it is acidic. This is the very reason why aluminum-lined cookware is strictly prohibited in some countries like France, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, Hungary, Brazil and Switzerland.
Although it is still allowed in the US, many of their aluminum cookware is now lined with non-stick coatings. Aside from this, most aluminum cookware is anodized. This means aluminum components were dipped into a type of hot acid bath, sealing it and changing its molecular structure.
Aluminum foil leaching is proven to be true. The logic behind this is that aluminum foils are produced when aluminum passes between pressurized rollers.
Aluminum is the third most abundant element. It is unavoidable that when we eat, drink or breathe, we constantly take in small quantities of this element. There is nothing to worry about because our bodies are adapted to remove it again. Studies reveal that only as little as .001% of aluminum is present in our digestive tracks. Our kidneys also immediately excrete the aluminum absorbed by our bodies.
The dilemma now lies in our changing world. With industrialization, pollution and all other natural hazards present in the environment, we are becoming more exposed to excessive amounts of aluminum. In fact, Alzheimer's is just one of the many diseases we can get from excessive absorption of aluminum.
Alzheimer's is triggered by many factors, not just aluminum. And if aluminum content is the concern, it is found in greater quantities in water supplies. It is therefore inconclusive to avoid aluminum cookware to prevent Alzheimer's.
However, the direct link between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease is still ongoing several tests to ascertain theories. And for much concern, Alzheimer's is brought about by a lot of other factors. It is a given that aluminum is one of the most popular element used in manufacturing kitchen items. Its lightweight characteristic is perfect for easy manipulation and maneuverability of several kitchen tools and utensils.
The important thing to remember is to always be safe in the cooking methods we practice. Because any material, aluminum or otherwise, can be causes of diseases if we are not careful. There is practically a certain degree of hazard in any kind of material used in kitchenware. Copper can rust and contaminate food also. Other metals like iron are also easily corrosive. So they are actually not any different with aluminum.
For more information on Aluminum Cookware and Professional Cookware Selection please visit our website.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
What's The Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia?
By Molly Shomer
"What's the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's?" It's a common question, and doctors are some of the best at confusing us. Physicians seem to prefer the word "dementia," possibly because Alzheimer's has become such a loaded word. "Dementia" somehow sounds less frightening to many people, and now even the experts have started using the words interchangeably.
They aren't interchangeable. Alzheimer's Disease and dementia are two very different things.
Dementia is a symptom. Pain is a symptom, and many different injuries and illnesses can cause pain. When you go to the doctor because you hurt, you won't be satisfied if the doctor diagnoses "pain" and sends you home. You want to know what is causing the pain, and how to treat it.
"Dementia" simply means the symptom of a deterioration of intellectual abilities resulting from an unspecified disease or disorder of the brain.
Alzheimer's Disease is one disease/disorder that causes dementia. Many other illnesses or "syndromes" can also cause dementia. Parkinson's Disease can cause dementia. A stroke can cause dementia. Even dehydration can cause dementia.
Many of the things that can cause dementia are treatable, even potentially curable.
If you have taken your elder to the doctor and received a diagnosis of "dementia" you haven't received a diagnosis at all. Unless you know what is causing the dementia you can't begin to treat it's root cause.
If your physician has diagnosed "dementia" it's time for a second opinion. You are probably dealing either with a physician who is not comfortable with the truth, or one who doesn't know how (or doesn't want to bother) to differentiate between all the possible causes of dementia. Either way, a skilled geriatrician or a neurologist who is comfortable with seniors would be a good place to start.
© 2006. Molly Shomer, author of "The Insider's Guide to Assisted Living" and Head Coach of The Eldercare Team. Visit http://www.eldercareteam.com for more expert eldercare information, resources and support.
"What's the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's?" It's a common question, and doctors are some of the best at confusing us. Physicians seem to prefer the word "dementia," possibly because Alzheimer's has become such a loaded word. "Dementia" somehow sounds less frightening to many people, and now even the experts have started using the words interchangeably.
They aren't interchangeable. Alzheimer's Disease and dementia are two very different things.
Dementia is a symptom. Pain is a symptom, and many different injuries and illnesses can cause pain. When you go to the doctor because you hurt, you won't be satisfied if the doctor diagnoses "pain" and sends you home. You want to know what is causing the pain, and how to treat it.
"Dementia" simply means the symptom of a deterioration of intellectual abilities resulting from an unspecified disease or disorder of the brain.
Alzheimer's Disease is one disease/disorder that causes dementia. Many other illnesses or "syndromes" can also cause dementia. Parkinson's Disease can cause dementia. A stroke can cause dementia. Even dehydration can cause dementia.
Many of the things that can cause dementia are treatable, even potentially curable.
If you have taken your elder to the doctor and received a diagnosis of "dementia" you haven't received a diagnosis at all. Unless you know what is causing the dementia you can't begin to treat it's root cause.
If your physician has diagnosed "dementia" it's time for a second opinion. You are probably dealing either with a physician who is not comfortable with the truth, or one who doesn't know how (or doesn't want to bother) to differentiate between all the possible causes of dementia. Either way, a skilled geriatrician or a neurologist who is comfortable with seniors would be a good place to start.
© 2006. Molly Shomer, author of "The Insider's Guide to Assisted Living" and Head Coach of The Eldercare Team. Visit http://www.eldercareteam.com for more expert eldercare information, resources and support.
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