If there was a deadly disease that could potentially affect everyone in the world, wouldn’t you want to know about it?
If this disease could not be prevented, cured, or even slowed and was killing more and more people every year, wouldn’t you be concerned?
Unfortunately, such a disease does exist. Alzheimer’s kills brain cells leading to memory loss, erratic behavior, loss of body functions and eventually death. Alzheimer’s kills more than 500,000 seniors each year, making it the sixth leading cause of death in the country.
But a recent study by the Alzheimer’s Association shows that the disease is still widely misunderstood. In a recent survey of 12 countries worldwide, the Alzheimer’s Association found that 59 percent of respondents incorrectly believe Alzheimer’s is a natural part of aging and 40 percent did not believe the disease to be fatal.
The Alzheimer’s Association of Coastal Georgia is working to eradicate not only these misconceptions but the disease as well. The local chapter offers support and education services as well as advocating politically on behalf of those with the disease.
As part of the association’s awareness program, we have offered our legal expertise free to community groups and churches to let people know they can put a plan in place to protect themselves and their loved ones in case they are incapacitated by Alzheimer’s.
Many people are unaware of the prevalence of the disease. About 5.2 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. In Georgia, eleven percent of seniors have Alzheimer’s, and one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that erodes one’s ability to recognize their loved ones, think or talk. Without prior planning,
someone with Alzheimer’s may not be able to make choices about their medical treatment, care or finances.
As part of the awareness program, we teach people about advance directives, durable powers of attorney and revocable living trusts – three ways they can protect themselves and their loved ones.
An advance directive names someone to make choices about your medical treatment and states your preferences about end-of-life medical treatment, organ donation and final disposition of your body.
A durable power of attorney assigns someone you’ve designated to make financial decisions on your behalf. A revocable living trust assures that the right person, with your best interests at heart, has the proper authority over your assets and can use them to take care of you and your family.
The Alzheimer’s Association of Coastal Georgia is always looking for volunteers qualified to work in administration, the speakers bureau and at events. Potential volunteers should call 912-920-2231.
The Alzheimer’s Association of Coastal Georgia offers a 24-hour Helpline at 800-272-3900, eight support groups and one-on-one care consultations with families.
Educational programs include free training for first responders on the medic alert/safe return program, awareness programs and educational programs for families and caregivers.
To raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, the Alzheimer’s Association will hold a Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Savannah on Sept. 27.
In lieu of a registration fee, participants are encouraged to raise funds, which will help not only to fund the cause but also to raise awareness in the community about the devastating effects of the disease.
Richard Barid and Michael Smith are co-founders of Savannah-based Smith Barid LLC, which specializes in elder law, estate planning and special needs planning. They can be reached at 912-352-3999 or richard@smithbarid.com or msmith@smithbarid.com.