When Is Memory Loss a Serious Problem?

We are all forgetful at times, and certainly the frequency seems to increase as we age. But memory lapses aren’t necessarily a symptom of dementia.

As a matter of fact, many, many people function quite well with mild dementia. The concern is that the condition is not static and will only worsen (although some meds may slow the decline – e.g., Aricept). The tipping point is when forgetfulness endangers the person. Not remembering the name of an old friend may be embarrassing but the lapse is not important, nor is forgetting where one left the keys. But holding the car keys in the hand and not knowing that they are necessary to start the vehicle is another matter, as is going shopping and forgetting how to get home.

That is the time to get help.

What Makes a Will Valid?

A will, more formally known as a Last Will and Testament, is required (in Maryland) to be in writing and signed by the maker as well as two witnesses. A notary public is not required to sign the will, but it doesn’t hurt. A warning, however: a professionally prepared will would have what is known as an “attestation clause” which is a recitation of language that the witnesses were present when the will was signed by the maker and confirm that the maker knew what he was doing when he signed the will. If this is missing, it may be necessary for the witnesses to be found and present proof that the maker of the will did, indeed, know what he was doing.

Anxiety Medicine Can Increase the Risk of Alzheimer’s

Insomnia and anxiety are common conditions among the general population but particularly with the elderly. But if you have a history of Alzheimer’s in your family, please be aware that anxiety-reducing drugs such as Xanax and Valium can increase your risk of getting the disease.

Such drugs, known as benzodiazepines, have long been used in the treatment of early dementia symptoms of which anxiety is certainly one. However, a recent study provided evidence that the use of such medication may cause or hasten the onset of Alzheimer’s. So be sure to discuss any relevant family history with a doctor if a physician desires to prescribe such medication for you.

Protecting Elders from Financial Exploitation

In a perfect world, people would not take advantage of vulnerable, elderly individuals. But, of course, that’s not the real world.

Accordingly, here are some tips on protecting those who need it.

 ·         Provide access to only one account. It is highly recommended that the vulnerable person have direct access to only one checking account. This limits exposure on checks written to charities or criminals.

 ·         On-line bill pay for monthly bills. Do automatic bill pay for routine bills. That helps with account surveillance.

·         Caution them about email scams. Educate about phishing scams. Advise against opening email or links from unknown senders. Set up regular and automatic computer anti-virus and malware scans.

·         Decrease opportunities for unwanted solicitations. To avoid telemarketing calls, add all phone numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry. Advise the vulnerable person to never give out credit card or Social Security numbers over the phone. To reduce mail solicitations, including “free” credit offers, unsubscribe at www.optoutprescreen.com. 

Help Your Brain – Eat Fish!

Alzheimer’s is an increasing threat as we age, particularly for those of us with a family history.  But, research studies increasingly suggest that omega-3 fatty acids (oils found in salmon and tuna, for instance) can ward off or slow the advance of dementia.

Studies also indicate that the oils can reduce the incidence of heart and stroke problems.

  

Is Your Loved One Receiving Appropriate Nursing Home Care?

I think it is safe to say that no one wishes to spend the last stages of his or her life in a nursing home. Unfortunately, though, sometimes the individual’s need for skilled nursing care leaves no other option. Simply put, the person’s physical and/or mental condition does not permit adequate care to be provided at home or an assisted living facility.

But the fact that an individual is in a nursing home does not mean that they can or should be ignored.

It is a sad commentary on human nature that some staff members in some facilities will treat their patients in such a fashion as to minimize the inconvenience and care required by the aide or nurse who is charged with providing appropriate care.

As a practical matter, some facilities will use physical restraints such as vests or belts to confine a resident to a wheelchair or bed. Such restraints may be appropriate for the safety of patients or others. But far too often they’re used for the convenience of the caregiver who, therefore, no longer has to give the same level of personal attention to the patient that would be required if such restraints were not used.

Other techniques of serving the convenience of the staff as opposed to the needs of the patients are the use of sedative and anti-psychotic drugs. Feeding tubes are also used to avoid the necessity of helping a patient eat.

If a loved one of yours is receiving such “treatment”, it may or may not be appropriate but you should insist on questioning staff members as to whether it is necessary for the patient’s benefit.

How To Provide Immediate Cash To Your Personal Representative When You Die

A common problem confronting survivors of a loved one is coming up with money to pay for immediate needs such as a funeral or related expenses.

Unless you have a living trust, your personal representative may be delayed for several weeks before he or she can gain access to your bank accounts.

A simple solution is for you to open a specified bank account now naming your personal representative as a joint owner or designate that your personal representative is to inherit the account upon your death – that is known as a POD or “payable on death” account.

I recommend putting approximately $10-20,000 in that account which should be more than sufficient to tide things over until access can be had to your entire estate.