If you are wondering why you should have to concern yourself with incapacity planning you would do well to know a bit about Alzheimer’s disease.
This horrible disease is extremely destructive, and it is in fact the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
The Alzheimer’s Association tells us that approximately four out of every ten individuals who are at least 85 years of age are suffering from the disease. Early onset is a problem as well, with 13% of people 65 and up being Alzheimer’s victims.
Unlike many serious diseases there is no way to slow down Alzheimer’s once it starts. There are no treatments, and there is no cure. And, there has been no way to diagnose it through physical symptoms.
But, recent research conducted at the Mayo Clinic has been promising with regard to diagnostics. They have found that an individual’s gait can indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Apparently, walking with a decidedly slow gait while taking especially short strides can be a sign of cognitive decline.
Hopefully research into the disease will lead to more and more breakthroughs such as this one. Although it may seem modest, it is certainly a start.
When you gain an understanding of just how widespread Alzheimer’s disease is during our current era you can see why it is so important to plan ahead for possible incapacity.
Should you be interested in doing so, take action right now to set up an appointment to speak with a licensed and experienced Indianapolis elder law attorney.
Paul A. Kraft, Estate Planning Attorney
Mr. Kraft assists clients primarily in the areas of estate planning and administration, Medicaid planning, federal and state taxation, real estate and corporate law, bringing the added perspective of an accounting background to his work.
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