Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s and dementia related conditions can affect people of any age. Although they are certainly more common with older people, there are indications from recent studies that there are thousands of people who have early onset dementia at any point in time.
Early onset dementia refers to the symptoms of dementia that occur prior to age 65. Many dementia services are designed to meet the needs of older people, meaning that a younger person who is showing early signs or has already been diagnosed with dementia might not have access to the care that they need. Younger people with dementia can also face discrimination.
They may need access to a broader range of specialist services to help them learn what living well looks like for them. A younger person being diagnosed with dementia is an important reference for understanding the power of having critical advanced medical directives.
Appointing another person to make decisions should anyone become incapacitated becomes especially important when a loved one is diagnosed with early onset dementia and begins to show signs of cognitive decline.
Regardless of your age, it’s a good plan to work with an attorney to have an incapacity plan in place for yourself. If something happens to you and you’re no longer able to make your own decisions, another person should be comfortable stepping into this role for you and should be legally equipped to do so.
Scheduling a consultation with an MA Alzheimer’s planning attorney can give you the first steps you need to move forward with creating these important advanced medical directives to protect the interests of a loved one who might be showing early signs of dementia or face an increased risk of dementia.
