Jon and Carol were just settling into retirement when the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease catapulted them into a world of uncertainty.
Carol had begun exhibiting warning signs such as difficulty completing familiar tasks — balancing the family checkbook — and brief periods of confusion of time or place. After the family physician ruled out physical causes for the dementia-like symptoms, Jon and Carol saw a neurologist who diagnosed early onset Alzheimer’s.
Many experience signs of dementia and may, out of fear, delay consulting a doctor. while current medications cannot stop Alzheimer’s, they can help lessen or stabilize symptoms for a limited time. perhaps more importantly, an early diagnosis allows time for planning. Living options, legal and financial considerations should be addressed.
while symptoms vary from person to person a seven-stage framework has been developed by the Alzheimer’s Organization as a general guideline for the progression of the disease.
· Stage one Alzheimer’s is mostly symptomless.
· Stage two exhibits mild cognitive decline — forgetting familiar words or the location of common objects.
· Stage three is usually where friends, family or co-workers begin to notice difficulties like coming up with the right word or forgetting material that one has just read.
· Stage four shows moderate cognitive decline — forgetting recent events, impaired ability to perform simple arithmetic or manage finances and, in Carol’s case, she was becoming moody and withdrawn.
· Stage five is moderately severe. Mid-stage Alzheimer’s individuals will need help with day-to-day activities and may be unable to recall their own address or phone number.
· Stage six is moderately severe.
At this point Carol may need help dressing and might make mistakes such as putting pajamas over daytime clothes. Her personality may further change and she could become suspicious, paranoid or delusional.
also, at this stage Carol could easily wander off and become lost so Jon will consider subscribing to Project Lifesaver — offered through the Monterey County Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue unit. Should Carol become lost, a bracelet that emits a tracking signal would help law enforcement find her.
Project Lifesaver can be found at projectlifesaver.org or 647-7702. also, the Alzheimer’s Organization provides a MedicAlert + Safe Return bracelet. more information can be found by calling 888-572-8566.
· Stage seven produces very severe cognitive decline and Carol may lose the ability to respond to the environment and carry on conversations. Physical decline becomes more pronounced at stage seven as well.
Jon got referrals from trusted advisers for a reputable bookkeeper who now comes to their home to work with Carol on the household bookkeeping. Jon will engage a personal assistant who will take Carol on shopping errands.
Jon’s goal is to help Carol feel independent for as long as possible. The neurologist prescribed a cholinesterase inhibitor along with other medications to help lessen Carol’s symptoms related to thinking, language and judgment.
next week’s column will review some of the legal and financial planning Jon and Carol will undertake so they can best enjoy their retirement — no matter what the years bring.
Liza Horvath has over 25 years experience in the estate planning and trust fields and is a trust officer with a local bank.
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