MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — In the past year, two new drugs have been approved for Alzheimer’s: Lecanemab (the most recent) and Aduhelm. Both these drugs received a lot of press upon their approval by the FDA, and both promised that they could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s if given in the early stages. Both drugs are expensive and not covered by insurance.
It is exciting that drug companies are putting money into researching and developing new drugs. In order for you or your loved one to be helped by these drugs or the ones currently on the market (Aricept and Namenda) they must be given early in the disease as they don’t do anything in the later stages.
Sadly, most people are in the mid to late stages before they or their doctor recognize that they may have Alzheimer’s or related dementia.
If you think you may have Alzheimer’s, it is important to get diagnosed as early as possible. In order to get diagnosed, you will need to find a doctor specializing in Alzheimer’s and related dementias and get tested.
The specialized PET scan for Alzheimer’s is not currently covered by insurance, so it will probably cost you some money, but if you want to slow the progression, you must get diagnosed early.
Once you have a diagnosis, you should make sure your estate plan is updated so that you have a plan for “what if … you don’t die but live with dementia.”
If you have a loved one you are worried may have dementia, give Martha Patterson a call at 714-459-1999 to set up a FREE Discovery Call. You may also e-mail her at martha@elderlawmom.com.
A Message From Martha Patterson
When you’re ready, here are ways to protect yourself and your family.
As a California State Bar Specialist in Trusts, Probate and Estate Planning, and Nationally Certified by the National Elder Law Foundation as a Certified Elder Law Attorney, a caregiver and having helped over 1000 families I am among the top qualified attorneys in the State.
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I understand that sometimes people need immediate attention. I have blocked off time on my calendar for these situations, but if I let everyone schedule themselves, I would never have time for true emergencies. So, if you need a quicker appointment, shoot me an email with the subject “Need appointment ASAP”, and I will do my best to get you in right away. Email me at martha@elderlawmom.com or give me a call at 714-459-1999.
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Geisler Patterson Law
5101 East La Palma Avenue
Suite 100-M
Anaheim, CA 92807
714-459-1999
Check out this short video on myths and misconceptions of Alzheimer’s Disease.
