Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia that causes impairment with memory, thinking and behavior, is commonly thought to be caused by factors that are out of our control: age, family history and heredity. Most individuals with the disease are 65 or older, have a family history of the disease and presence of the genes that increase risk or determine Alzheimer’s disease.
However, scientists are now discovering that in addition to the big three mentioned above, there are other risk factors that affect the prevalence of the disease through lifestyle, health and wellness choices. While there is considerable dispute as to whether this awareness might be of much help to current sufferers of Alzheimer’s, it can certainly serve as preventative advice for future generations.
Will Contests and Trust Contests – Successful challenges are borne from knowledge and careful study.
On point for this blog series, of course, concerns the effect of the latest research into dementia and its effect on inheritance disputes. Lawyers who challenge wills or trusts based on dementia issues would be well-advised to study, in depth, the latest medicine.
For example, in a recent case I handled challenging a will executed by a gentleman who had suffered under an Alzheimer’s diagnosis for years, the defense suggested that “there is no test for Alzheimer’s” and actually suggested that, therefore, perhaps the disease did not exist in this gentleman. Obviously, knowledge of the myriad of medical causes leading to dementia diagnoses must be considered in will contest and trust contest cases. If you know the causes of dementia when challenging the estate planning, then you know what to look for during discovery, not only from a medical perspective but generally.
Protect Your Best Asset
The connection between brain injury, especially in competitive sports, and cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, have garnered a lot of attention in the medical community as of late. This is especially true for repetitive brain injury and where loss of consciousness or concussions have been present. The takeaway is to always wear a helmet when engaging in sports, buckle your seatbelt and take measures to prevent falls.
The Head and the Heart
There is growing scientific evidence that marries brain and heart health. The brain is fueled by one of the body’s richest networks of blood vessels. Every beat of the heart pumps blood through these blood vessels to the head. There is vital food and oxygen within that blood that nourishes the brain cells and helps the cells function and maintain optimum performance. When these vessels are compromised, it only makes sense that the brain functionality is put at risk. Thus, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia increases with the presence of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Taking control of your health through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary, is key to maintaining a healthy heart.
Age Mindfully
A new line of research suggests the lifestyle choices we make as we age may keep the brain healthy and even reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The basics such as avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol and maintaining a healthy diet to stave off weight gain make sense. But of equal importance is exercising both the body and the mind and staying socially active. While an overused saying, it’s a clarion call to squeeze every juicy bit out of life, every . . . single . . . day.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association