June is a month to notice nature coming to life. Green grass, blossoms, vegetables growing remind us to enjoy outside. June is also the month we bring awareness to the 50 million people worldwide who live with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and their families.
Dementia
Dementia is the overall term used to describe a group of symptoms. Alzheimer’s is only one dementia that accounts for 60-80% of all dementia cases. There are ten warning signs Alz.org has put in a PDF format.
Here is the PDF: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:5b0705ca-80f6-4900-86e9-51e8e814b385
2021 Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures
- More than 6 Million Americans live with Alzheimer’s Today
- By 2050, it is projected that number is projected to rise to over 12 Million
- Between 2009 – 2019 deaths from heart disease decreased 7.3% and Alzheimer’s deaths increased by 145%
- In the US during Covid-19, Alzheimer’s and Dementia deaths have increased 16%
- 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another Dementia
- More than 11 Million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other Dementias
- It is estimated these unpaid care providers provided 15.3 Billion hours of care, valued at nearly $257 Billion
- Of the total lifetime cost of caring for someone with dementia, 70% is borne by families — either through out-of-pocket health and long-term care expenses or from the value of unpaid care
- Almost 2/3rds of American’s with Alzheimer’s are women 🙁
- Alzheimer’s impacts by ethnicity: Older Black American’s are 2 times and Older Hispanic Americans are 1 1/2 times more likely to have Alzheimer’s and other Dementia’s than older White Americans
- Among people age 70, 61% of those with Alzheimer’s dementia are expected to die before the age of 80 compared with 30% of people without Alzheimer’s — a rate twice as high
- People age 65 and older survive an average of four to eight years after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia, yet some live as long as 20 years with Alzheimer’s. This reflects the slow, uncertain progression of the disease
- The 2021 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report contains data on the impact of this disease in every state across the nation. Click below to see the effect that Alzheimer’s is having in your state
Impact to Legal Planning
Competence and Capacity have distinct differences. Determining legal competence involves assessing decision making capability by doctors, relatives and in contested cases, by the courts. For estate planning documents (will, trust, power(s) of attorney, health care directives) capacity (the ability to make a particular decision at a specific time or in a specific situation and take responsibility for consequences of the decision) are determined.
Capacity is tricky. Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients may indeed be capable some days or moments. Respecting loved ones autonomy and acting in their best interests is a delicate balance. There are five functions evaluated for impairment:
- Memory
- Communication and language
- Ability to focus and pay attention
- Reasoning and judgment
- Visual perception
Even when someone could be able to execute legal documents after a diagnosis, it’s best to have these documents prepared, reviewed and signed earlier than symptoms begin. Decision making roles “in case” are easier for all than those “when” needed. *Take it from the daughter of an Alzheimer’s parent – it is SO much easier in advance.
Let’s get you ready for when life hits without notice in unexpected ways. I know what it’s like emotionally and when it’s compounded with someone you love dealing with a diagnosis, it’s not easy. Email me to discuss: Lynn@thelivingplanner.com. For additional information about my work, check out my website: https://thelivingplanner.com
Breathe and and out –Lynn
#CareForPeople #CareForBusiness #StepInStepUp #LifeHacks