One of the most significant challenges that elder Americans face is that of the very real possibility of contracting Alzheimer’s disease.
Research that has been conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association indicates that around 40% of the”oldest old” (people 85 and over) suffer from the disease. And even younger seniors are at risk–one out of every eight people 65 and older is an Alzheimer’s victim.
You may think of Alzheimer’s as a disease that only causes cognitive impairment. It certainly does that. However, Alzheimer’s is also a lethal killer. There are only five ailments that take more lives each year.
Unlike some of the other leading causes of death there is no treatment for Alzheimer’s at the present time though ongoing research is always being conducted. This is a disease that can’t even be slowed down.
In addition to the above, there has been no way for medical professionals to diagnose the disease though the detection of physical symptoms. However, some good news has been circulating throughout the geriatric community lately. The results of another study concerning diagnosis and treatment strategies were released just this last week. While it did indicate progress, there is still no satisfactory solution.
Another finding reveals that the way a person walks can be an indicator. Research that has been conducted at the Mayo Clinic concludes with reasonable certainty that a slower gait and shorter stride is present among Alzheimer’s sufferers.
When you gain an understanding of just how common this disease is among elders you can see why incapacity planning is so important. If you would like to prepare for this possibility intelligently and proactively, simply take a moment to set up a consultation with a licensed, experienced Oklahoma City estate planning lawyer.
Larry Parman
Author, President and Founding Attorney
Parman & Easterday
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