If you have a loved one who is struggling with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or some other degenerative brain disorder, then every day brings a new challenge or new insight, new hopes and new tears. The person who you once looked to for their strength and wisdom is slowly losing their memories, and you find yourself struggling to hold on to them and to do what is best for them.

While every day is Alzheimer’s Awareness Day for those in your position, for the public at large June marks the occasion of Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Awareness Month. This is a time set aside for spreading the word about the disease. There are multiple goals behind Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Awareness Month, including raising money for scientific research and educating people about the warning signs and risks of being diagnosed. The month-long even also aims at encouraging people to become advocates to make funding a national priority and to increase the availability of appropriate care resources for those who have been diagnosed.

Alzheimer’s Disease has been diagnosed in over 5 million Americans, and what is even more frightening than that statistic is the fact that the incidence is expected to multiply threefold over the next 35 years. The disease, which is the leading cause of dementia in the world, leads ultimately to death. Unfortunately, despite its prevalence in most cases Alzheimer’s is not diagnosed until it is in its end stages, with most people who are affected not receiving treatment until they have been suffering for approximately seven years. The later it is diagnosed, the fewer treatment options are available.

Though most people think that memory loss is inevitable and that there are no treatments available for Alzheimer’s Disease, the truth is that the drugs that are available are far more effective than most people realize, and excellent care and therapy are available. What is most important is minimizing the various risk factors and recognizing deficits as they arise. The more prepared a person and their family are, the more options are at hand.

One of the most important steps that can be taken for those who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or other degenerative brain disorders is to have a robust life care plan in place. A Life Care Plan is a roadmap put together by skilled professionals who have experience in the various needs of the elderly. At Rothamel Bratton we have put together a team that includes our attorneys and an elder care coordinator. We work together with families to make sure that appropriate care is arranged for and that your loved one has a knowledgeable, experienced advocate working on their behalf to address their needs. By anticipating the inevitable, you put yourself in a position where you are able to consider all of the care that your loved one needs, whether that is in-home care or residency in a carefully-selected skilled nursing care facility. We help you to access all public health care that your loved one is eligible to receive and to minimize the impact of Medicaid rules and restrictions. There’s no better time to make an appointment with our compassionate staff than during Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Awareness Month.