Planning for cognitive changes

While cognitive impairment is not inevitable with age, the possibility of experiencing Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia makes advance planning an important and empowering step. This doesn't mean resigning yourself to decline. Planning allows you to stay in the driver's seat of your life rather than leave your future to chance or to others.

Healthcare. How would care decisions be made if you could not speak for yourself? Put safeguards in place before they're needed. Make sure to complete these documents:

• A living will. States your care preferences should you be unable to voice them.
• A durable power of attorney for healthcare. Designates who can make healthcare decisions on your behalf as your "agent."

An advance directive includes both. Have it added to your medical record and give copies to your agent and other close family or friends. Discuss with them your priorities and preferences for future care and lifestyle, including if dementia should occur.

Finances. Cognitive decline usually affects the ability to manage money. If you haven't already, now is the time to

• complete a will, trust, or estate plan
• designate a trusted decision maker with a durable power of attorney for finances
• consider setting up automated payments or other bill-pay tools
• organize account information for banks, insurance, etc., into a secure location
• find professional help if needed, such as a financial planner or daily money manager

Living arrangements. An aging-in-place assessment can identify simple updates before you need them. For example, good lighting, unimpeded pathways, and modifications such as grab bars all increase safety, whether dementia is a factor or not.

Consider the possibility of needing to move somewhere with more support in the future. Review your budget and familiarize yourself with the options around you. An Aging Life Care™ Manager can help with this process.

Do what you can now to support your brain health later.
Managing blood pressure and cardiovascular health helps protect brain function. Explore eating in the Mediterranean or MIND diet way, linked with lower dementia risk. Mental stimulation and social engagement both support cognitive health. Regular visits with healthcare professionals matter too. Hearing loss, for example, is a treatable risk for cognitive decline.

You can also ask your doctor for a cognitive assessment to establish a baseline so changes can be readily identified.

Need help putting safety nets in place? Give us a call at 203-826-9206.