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Home » What You Need to Know about Alzheimer’s

What You Need to Know about Alzheimer’s

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Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of dementia, affecting around 6 million Americans (as of 2024). Alzheimer’s can have a profound impact not only on the individuals living with the disease but also on their families and loved ones. Educating yourself about the disease and preparing for the possibility that you or a spouse might develop the disease are crucial. Toward that end, the Essex Junction attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC explain what you need to know about Alzheimer’s disease.

What Is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. While it primarily affects older adults, it is not a normal part of aging. The disease progresses slowly, with symptoms worsening over time, eventually leading to severe cognitive impairment that interferes with daily life. As the disease advances, individuals may lose the ability to carry on a conversation, respond to their environment, and perform basic tasks. The cause of Alzheimer’s is not fully understood, but it involves abnormal buildups of proteins in the brain, leading to the death of brain cells. Risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s include age, genetics, family history, and certain lifestyle factors. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, making it essential to plan for the possibility of developing the disease.

Planning for the Possibility of Alzheimer’s

Estate planning plays a crucial role in preparing for the potential diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Without proper planning, you may lose control over your financial and healthcare decisions as the disease progresses. Common estate planning tools and strategies that can help you plan for the possibility that you or a spouse will develop Alzheimer’s include:

  • Durable Power of Attorney: A durable POA allows you to designate someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Without a durable POA, your family may need to go through a lengthy and costly court process to obtain access to or control over your finances. Making a POA durable means that the Agent’s authority survives your incapacity.
  • Healthcare Power of Attorney: This is a type of advance directive that lets you designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make or communicate decisions. This is particularly important for individuals with Alzheimer’s, as the disease often leads to a decline in decision-making abilities.
  • Living Will: Another advance directive, a Living Will allows you to specify your preferences for medical treatment in case you cannot communicate your wishes, such as whether you want life-sustaining treatment or comfort care.
  • Last Will and Testament: This document allows you to specify how your assets will be distributed after your death, ensuring that your loved ones are provided for according to your wishes. If you have minor children, your Will also allows you to name a guardian to care for them if something happens to you.
  • Trust Agreement: If you want your estate to avoid probate, establishing a living trust can be a valuable tool that can also help with incapacity. A trust allows you to transfer ownership of your assets to a Trustee, who will manage them on behalf of your beneficiaries. This can be particularly useful if you become incapacitated due to Alzheimer’s because the Trustee can step in to manage your assets without the need for court intervention.
  • Long–Term Care Planning: Planning for long-term care is also a critical consideration when planning for the possibility of developing Alzheimer’s. Long-term care can be expensive, and many families underestimate the costs associated with managing Alzheimer’s. Options such as long-term care insurance, Medicaid planning, and setting aside funds specifically for healthcare expenses can help you prepare for the financial impact of the disease.

Can We Help You Plan for the Possibility of Alzheimer’s?

For more information, please attend one of our upcoming FREE webinars. If you have additional questions or you are ready to incorporate Alzheimer’s planning into your estate plan, contact the experienced Essex Junction estate planning attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC by calling 802-879-7133 to schedule your appointment today.

Wendy S. Hillmuth
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