Alzheimer's Planning FAQ

Most often, the first symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease begin to develop after age 70, but they can begin as early as age 40 or as late as 90. Generally a person will show symptoms for a few years before it becomes evident that the changes are the result of something other than normal aging.

Often, people who don't see the person on a daily basis won't even notice anything, but family and close friends will notice changes. These changes include forgetfulness, including trouble remembering recent events or the names of familiar things and people. Though these symptoms may not be the cause for alarm, they are frustrating to the person who is experiencing them, and the person may begin to feel depressed about their confusion over their environment.

As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more noticeable, and serious enough to seek medical attention. These later symptoms may include forgetting how to do simple tasks, like tying shoes or brushing teeth.

Clear thinking is difficult, and frequently speaking, reading, writing, and understanding new concepts are difficult as well. When these symptoms are present, it's recommended to seek medical help and a doctor's diagnosis.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, but scientific research is bringing us closer to a cure every day. Outstanding progress has already been made in unraveling the mysteries of Alzheimer's disease, including what causes it and what happens in the brain as the disease progresses. New understandings about these processes have already provided critical information about how doctors might prevent, delay, stop or even reverse the nerve cell damage that leads to the devastating symptoms of Alzheimer's. All around the world, scientists and pharmaceutical companies are now racing to develop treatments that address the underlying disease processes, some of which (or a combination of which) might effectively solve the Alzheimer's puzzle.

Scientific research is also providing valuable information about how drug and non-drug approaches to treatment can improve day-to-day functioning and maximize quality of life. Drug (pharmacological) treatments currently available are used to manage the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's, such as changes in thinking, memory and perception. They can't stop the disease, but they can slow the progression of symptoms in some people, at least for a while. While drug therapy is important and beneficial, especially in early stages, the management of Alzheimer's has evolved to include non-pharmacological therapies as integral aspects of care. These include various strategies aimed at managing problematic behaviors, including involvement in therapeutic activities, home or "environmental" modifications, and the use of appropriate communication techniques. Support and education for caregivers and family members is also crucial to the best care of people with Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer’s Planning is a sub-specialty of Elder Law.

It involves a unique and complex combination of estate planning, long-term care planning, asset protection, geriatric care coordination, Medicaid planning, and nursing home planning, and requires a specialized knowledge of the legal and financial problems and issues that are unique to families dealing with this devastating illness.

Sage Consulting focuses on the financial and legal issues surrounding Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Planning Team -- comprised of a geriatric care manager, a financial planner, and various paralegals and asset protection specialists -- provide life-long guidance, management, and oversight on vital issues such as medical and nursing care, housing options, financial management, estate planning, asset protection, Medicaid eligibility, and more.

One of the primary goals of Alzheimer’s Planning is to ensure the highest possible level of personal dignity and quality care for the remaining lifetime of the Alzheimer’s patient. To achieve this goal, it is often necessary to protect assets as quickly as possible, so that if the Alzheimer’s patient must enter a nursing home, Medicaid can be obtained as soon as possible.

Money that is protected through Alzheimer’s Planning can be used to provide the Alzheimer’s patient with an enhanced level of care and a better quality of life while in the nursing home and receiving Medicaid benefits.