Are There Any Cures for Alzheimer’s?

Not yet. The best that can be done medically is, in some patients, to slow the onset of symptoms with  drugs such as Aricept, Exelon and Razadyne. Drug trials have indicated that for many patients on such medications, the benefits are barely noticeable if at all. Some studies have suggested that exercise, both mental and physical, might have a role in warding off the disease.  There is some evidence that ingesting vitamins B6 and B12 as well as Vitamin E may slow the progression of the disease as well.

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

Medical science has found the answer to this question quite elusive. Apparently, there are both genetic and environmental factors involved. Genetics appears to carry a very strong role in what is termed early-onset Alzheimer’s (the dementia is clearly evident before the age of 60). The factors involved in dementia that appears at a later age are less clear-cut. Thus, the fact that a family member (a parent, for instance) is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s while in their 80’s, is NOT a strong indicator that that person’s child will also experience Alzheimer’s.

The "No Will" Will

Many people think that even if they don’t have a will of their own, state law will rescue them from their procrastination. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Simply put, the law provides that your next of kin will inherit. But there are very serious problems with relying on the law instead of your own personal document. The following No-Will Will, though written with a sense of humor, highlights major problems you risk if you don’t have your own private will:

 

                What happens if you don't have your own Will?

The  No-WillWill 

            Being of sound mind and memory, I, Joe Procrastinator, do hereby publish this as my Last Will and Testament:

FIRST B I give one-half (2) of what I own to my wife and one-half (2) to my children (no matter who needs it more).

SECOND B If my wife remarries and her new husband outlives her, he shall be entitled to one-third (a) of everything she has [or one-half (2) if there are no surviving children].  He shall then have the power to decide who gets his share and may leave nothing at all to my children.

THIRD B I have the right to select someone I trust to handle my affairs after my death, but I don’t care.  Let a judge choose whomever he wants to be my Executor or Personal Representative.

FOURTH B I want the Federal and State Government to take as much of my wife=s and my children=s money as they want since they need it more (there is a huge government budget deficit, after all).

FIFTH B I want a cheap funeral despite the wishes of my family.

SIXTH B I own family mementos that my children would like to have. But I don’t want to pick who gets what. I’d rather that they fight over the items when I’m gone.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed my Last Will and Testament on this, the  ______day of _____________, 20___.

          

                                                                        ______________________________________

                                                                       Joe (or Jane) “I’ll live forever” Procrastinator

If you want a Will of your own, call Richmond Davis, Attorney at Law 

                                                         410-730-5550