Alzheimer’s is a serious condition which affects millions of Americans. The reason we consider it important to estate planning is because you won’t be able to plan your estate after you succumb. So, the smartest thing to do is plan in advance. No one plans to get sick or become incapacitated. And we hope you won’t have to face this (or any other) dementia-related illness. But if you do, your family will be glad you took steps before you got sick.
The following synopsis covers an article which appeared in one of our recent newsletters. To read the full story, click here.
Most of us know that lack of sleep can lead to several serious conditions:
- Daytime sleepiness
- An inability to make good decisions
- Car accidents
- Unhealthy food choices
- Weight gain
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- A host of other health problems.
But did you know that poor sleep could also increase your risk of Alzheimer’s? Three recent studies identify a correlation.
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Boston University School of Medicine Alzheimer’s Study
This study revealed that even a small loss of the dreaming phase of sleep (called REM or Rapid Eye Movement sleep) increases the risk of Alzheimer’s. The Boston team studied 321 people age 60 and older, who volunteered for a sleep study in the 1990’s. Over 12 years, 32 of the subjects developed dementia. And of those, 24 had Alzheimer’s. Those subjects who enjoyed less REM sleep during the testing phase were more likely to be included in the later-identified dementia group. The alarming part of the study is that the difference in REM sleep was slight. Those who later developed dementia had only 3% less REM sleep than those who did not develop the disease. Most failed to notice any difference in their sleep.
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Alzheimer’s Study at Washington University in St. Louis
In the second study, a Washington University team reported that sleep disruption raised levels of Amyloid, the protein that clogs Alzheimer’s patients’ brains. Researchers believe that interrupted sleep may allow too many of the compounds to build. Sleep might help rid the body of these substances.
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New York University School of Medicine, Rutgers School of Public Health Studies Alzheimer’s
In this study, researchers found that sleep apnea can lead to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) nearly 10 years earlier than in those who do not suffer breathing problems during sleep. Those with sleep apnea were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s an average five years earlier than those without sleep issues.
Sleep apnea is common in older adults, affecting more than half of all men and a quarter of all women. The team reviewed the medical histories of 2,470 people aged 55 to 90, who had participated in an earlier study designed to look for Alzheimer’s markers. They discovered that sleep apnea is associated with a much quicker decline in cognitive function. Nevertheless, they also found that people who received treatment declined at the same rate as those who did not have apnea.
Estate Plan While You Can
Alzheimer’s is a disturbing condition that robs people of brain function. The reason we discuss it in our newsletter and blog posts is because dementia can impact one’s ability to effectively plan their estate. For this reason, we recommend planning your estate while you are in good mental condition. No one knows if, and when, Alzheimer’s, or another debilitating condition, could compromise your decision to make choices regarding your estate. We sincerely hope that you and your family will never be faced with this type of disease. But, just to be safe, call today to set up an estate planning appointment. Doing so will give you and your family peace of mind.
About Skvarna Law Firm: Estate Planning, Elder Law, Probate, Trusts, and Wills
Skvarna Law Firm operates offices in Glendora and Upland, California and provides legal services for individuals living in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties. This includes the cities of Upland, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Colton, Rialto, Chino, Chino Hills, Glendora, Claremont, Montclair, Pomona, La Verne, San Dimas, Azusa, Covina, West Covina, Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Corona, Norco & Mira Loma. Visit SkvarnaLaw.com to learn more.
