What Bruce Willis’ Dementia Diagnosis Teaches Caregivers

Millions of people worldwide suffer memory loss, personality changes and struggle to carry out everyday tasks due to dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. However, other forms, like frontotemporal dementia (FTD), can also be devastating. A dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming for the afflicted person and their loved ones, who often struggle with the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving.

Planning for the future is essential when dealing with dementia, and that’s where estate planning becomes crucial. Without a clear plan in place, families can face difficult decisions during an already challenging time. By preparing in advance, you can protect the wishes of your loved one and secure their finances and healthcare.

What are Challenges Dementia Caregivers Face?

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a long-term commitment that often falls on family members. According to the CDC, nearly six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. The majority of them rely on the care of family members or friends. These caregivers often experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression due to the demands of caregiving. This is especially true when caregivers also manage other responsibilities, such as children or a job.

One of the biggest challenges is making decisions on behalf of someone who can no longer express their wishes clearly. However, this is precisely why it’s so important to have a well-thought-out estate plan in place. An estate plan can include documents like a durable power of attorney, which allows a trusted person to make financial decisions, and a healthcare directive, which outlines the medical care your loved one would want.

Can Bruce Willis’ Dementia Diagnosis Teach Caregivers?

The story of Bruce Willis and his family’s journey through his dementia diagnosis sheds light on the importance of support and planning. When Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), his wife, Emma Heming Willis, faced the immense challenge of caring for him, while protecting their family’s privacy. Emma initially tried to keep Bruce’s condition private. However, this led to feelings of isolation and overwhelming stress.

In a story covered by ABC News, the family decided to go public with Bruce’s diagnosis, which Emma described as a turning point. She shared that being open about his condition allowed them to receive the support they desperately needed. It also lifted a significant weight from their shoulders.

Having a support network is vital. However, so is having a plan in place. For families dealing with dementia, an estate plan can provide peace of mind by ensuring that all the necessary legal and financial decisions are made. This allows the family to focus on caring for their loved one without the added stress of legal uncertainties.

Estate Planning Can Help Dementia Caregivers

If you are caring for someone with dementia or are concerned about what the future may hold, it is essential to start planning now. An experienced estate planning or elder law attorney can help you navigate the complexities of dementia caregiving and ensure that you have all the necessary legal documents.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and start developing an estate plan. We can help you plan for finances and healthcare and set contingencies for challenges, like dementia caregiving. Our estate planning can help secure your peace of mind, your loved ones’ well-being and your legacy.

Key Takeaways

Planning ahead eases the burden: Estate planning helps ensure that legal and financial decisions are made according to your loved one’s wishes.
Support is crucial for caregivers: Seeking support, as Bruce Willis’s story shows, can greatly reduce the stress and isolation of caregiving.
Legal documents provide security: Establishing a durable power of attorney, healthcare directive and living trust protects your loved one’s values, assets and well-being.
Estate planning supports peace of mind: An estate plan allows you to focus on caregiving, knowing that all of the necessary arrangements are in place.

References:

ABC News (May 8, 2024) “Bruce Willis’ wife says family ‘desperately needed’ support after dementia diagnosis” and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (June 30, 2023) “Caregiving for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease or a Related Dementia”

What Is the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s?

Dementia is a serious and growing health concern affecting over 55 million people around the world. However, many mistakenly conflate the condition with Alzheimer’s Disease. Care highlights the differences between the two conditions and the importance of understanding them.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia describes a decline in cognitive function and mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is a common symptom. However, dementia can also impact reasoning, comprehension, language and spatial awareness. Different types of dementia have distinct symptoms and causes.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that primarily affects memory. It often starts with short-term memory loss, such as forgetting conversations, misplacing items and repeating oneself. As the disease progresses, it can also impact:

Language skills
Visual perception
Driving skills
Ability to manage finances or use technology

What are Other Forms of Dementia?

Besides Alzheimer’s disease, there are several other common types of dementia, each with unique symptoms and causes. Understanding these different types helps in recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate care.

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)

Lewy Body Dementia affects thinking, reasoning and processing information. It often presents with hallucinations and behavioral issues. People with LBD may experience agitation, memory problems and symptoms like Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors and slow movements.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to a stroke or chronic illness. Symptoms can include confusion, slowed thinking, difficulty concentrating and problems with organization. The symptoms vary depending on the location of the blocked or damaged blood vessels.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Frontotemporal Dementia affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which control personality, language and movement. Symptoms can include changes in personality, behavior, language difficulties, memory loss and confusion.

How Is Dementia Diagnosed?

There isn’t a single test for dementia. Doctors instead use various sources of information, including patient history, family observations and physical exams, to determine the type of dementia. Cognitive testing and MRIs may also assess memory, attention, language and other cognitive abilities.

The Importance of Early Planning

The sooner someone facing a dementia diagnosis begins planning for their future care and financial decisions, the better for their loved ones. This planning involves discussing the person’s wishes and preparing legal documents.

“Have the conversation,” says Martha Mannix, a clinical associate professor of law at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. In an article by Tribdem, she emphasizes the importance of discussing who the person wants to be with, how they want to spend their time and putting themselves in the person’s shoes.

How Powers of Attorney and Advance Healthcare Directives Can Help

Legal documents, like advance healthcare directives and financial power of attorney, are indispensable to protecting yourself against dementia. These documents ensure that power over your finances and healthcare lies with your family, not a court-appointed guardian. Establish a financial power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney and an advance healthcare directive to control your end-of-life care, emergency healthcare and finances.

Start Planning for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Today

If you or a loved one faces a dementia diagnosis, a good estate plan makes all the difference. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and learn how estate planning can support you and your family in the face of cognitive decline.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Dementia: Dementia is a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life, encompassing various symptoms beyond memory loss.
Alzheimer’s Disease: The most common form of dementia, primarily affecting short-term memory and progressively impairing cognitive functions.
Different Types of Dementia: Lewy Body Dementia, Vascular Dementia and Frontotemporal Dementia each have distinct causes and symptoms, requiring unique approaches to care and treatment.
Have Essential Conversations: Discussing wishes and preparing legal documents, like advance healthcare directives and financial power of attorney, ensures that an individual’s preferences are respected.

References: Care (Jan. 7, 2022) “Understanding the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s: What experts say you need to know” and Tribdem (Jul. 29, 2023) “Dealing with dementia | Planning ahead: ‘Have the conversation’ | News | tribdem.com”

Safeguarding against Financial Exploitation: Estate Planning for Cognitive Decline

In this overview of estate planning for cognitive decline, we examine signs of dementia and the role of estate planning in protecting our aging loved ones. The National Institute on Aging (NIH) article, “Managing Money Problems for People With Dementia,” sparked our discussion on estate plans and cognitive decline.

It is becoming more common for families to encounter challenges and new issues in needing to help loved ones safeguard assets from fraud and exploitation. This article shares practical strategies to protect vulnerable individuals when we notice signs of dementia.

Understanding the Risks: Fraud and Financial Exploitation

Cognitive decline, particularly associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, poses significant risks for financial exploitation. Individuals grappling with dementia may struggle to manage bills, discern trustworthy individuals, and comprehend complex financial transactions. This vulnerability makes them prime targets for fraud and abuse. Here’s a closer look at common forms of exploitation:

Multiple Payments: Those with cognitive decline may inadvertently make multiple payments for the same service, leading to financial losses.
Misuse of Power of Attorney: Trusted individuals, including family members or attorneys-in-fact, may abuse their authority by making unauthorized cash transfers or mismanaging assets.
Undervalued Property Sales: Patients may be misled about the value of their property, resulting in sales below market value to the detriment of their estate.

Protecting against Fraud: Legal Safeguards and Capacity Assessment

To combat financial exploitation, it’s essential to understand the legal safeguards available and to assess the individual’s capacity to enter into agreements. Here are key considerations:

Legal Capacity: Contracts and agreements are enforceable only if both parties have the legal capacity to enter them. Individuals with Alzheimer’s or cognitive impairment may lack this capacity, rendering contracts voidable.

Capacity Assessment: Assessing mental capacity is crucial in determining the validity of agreements. Physicians, family members and legal experts play a vital role in providing testimony and evidence of cognitive decline.

Estate Planning’s Role in Protecting Our Aging Loved Ones

Signs of dementia are sometimes slow to appear or hard to detect. The National Institute of Aging pointed out that financial management is one of the first signs of cognitive decline affecting a loved one.

Estate planning helps prevent loved ones with dementia from losing money or property to scammers or unscrupulous people. It is crucial to establish financial powers of attorney before signs of dementia and enable a trusted family member to oversee bank accounts and pay bills for a loved one. Trusts are another tool that helps to safeguard a loved one’s assets.

Estate Planning and Cognitive Decline Key Takeaways:

Early Intervention: Recognize signs of cognitive decline and take proactive steps to safeguard assets.
Legal Expertise: Seek guidance from attorneys experienced in elder law to navigate complex estate planning and financial management issues.
Family Vigilance: Family members and caregivers should remain vigilant to watch for signs of financial exploitation and take prompt action to protect their loved ones.

Conclusion

Estate planning for cognitive decline requires careful consideration and proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals from fraud and financial exploitation. Families can confidently navigate these challenges by understanding legal safeguards, assessing capacity, and seeking expert guidance. Are you ready to safeguard your loved one’s future? Schedule a consultation with our team today and take the first step towards comprehensive estate planning.

Reference: National Institute on Aging (NIH) (Oct. 3, 2023) “Managing Money Problems for People With Dementia”

How to Protect Your Spouse when Diagnosis Is Dementia

Few illnesses are as terrifying as dementia, for which there is no cure. If estate planning is in place, it may need to be adjusted to address new, more imminent issues. Reviewing the family situation from a legal and financial aspect is critical, and there is no time for delay, explains a recent article from Morningstar, “’I don’t want my wife to lose everything’: I’ve been diagnosed with dementia –I suddenly could not spell or write legibly.”

There are a number of steps to be taken to smooth the path ahead. First is to update your will and create a financial power of attorney. Don’t try to do this without the help of an experienced estate planning attorney.

This may also be the time to reassess your investment portfolio based on your new financial plan and risk tolerance.

An Advanced Healthcare Directive will inform doctors what actions you want them to take when you cannot make those decisions for yourself. You may want to list your wife as your healthcare proxy to carry out these decisions, but be mindful of the pressures put on a marriage when serious healthcare issues occur. Your spouse will need emotional support as well, and you’ll want to have a successor to your spouse for both the healthcare and POA documents.

Share your situation with trusted family and friends to create a team–a community of people who can provide support, part of which will be updating beneficiaries. Now would also be the time to record instructions for access to devices, documents, and even daily habits.

Long-term care insurance will help with expenses and should serve as an example for anyone reading this article. Policies should be purchased early in life when they are relatively affordable to help alleviate the financial burden of nursing home costs.

An estate planning attorney and financial advisor will help you take an accounting for assets, expenses, and projected long-term care costs. You’ll want a team approach to provide as much guidance as possible.

When to put your long-term care policies into payout status is a difficult decision. You’ll need to time this with a Medicaid plan, which your elder law estate planning attorney will be able to help with.

Now may also be the time to create a trust and divest assets to make it through the five-year Medicaid look-back, using your long-term care policy in the next five years.

There are exceptions to the five-year look-back rule for Medicaid eligibility. They include paying off debts, buying medical devices, or making home improvements to improve accessibility. However, eligibility depends upon income and other assets.

Some states, including Florida and New York, have rules exempting homes from assets calculated by Medicaid under certain circumstances. California eliminated an asset limit this year, making a person’s home automatically safe from Medicaid while they are living, but this does not mean it’s exempt from the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program.

Working with a team of professionals, including an estate planning attorney, and having the support of family and trusted friends will be important as time goes by and the disease progresses.

Reference: Morningstar (Feb. 25, 2024) “’I don’t want my wife to lose everything’: I’ve been diagnosed with dementia –I suddenly could not spell or write legibly”

How Can Older Adults Not Get Scammed?

Everyone becomes more vulnerable to scams and financial abuse as we age into our later years, reports a recent article from Kiplinger, “Seven Ways to Protect Older Adults from Financial Abuse.” Older people are swindled out of more than $3 billion every year, and more than 3.5 million people are victims of financial exploitation every year. Protecting financial well-being requires prevention, which also applies to younger adults.

Maintain a heightened awareness level. Talk with family members about the potential risks from thieves, online and in real life. Know that exploitation by family members is just as likely, sometimes more so, than by strangers.

Maintain open communication. Just like meeting with an estate planning attorney regularly to ensure legal affairs are in order, check in with trusted loved ones about their financial status regularly. Talking about money among families can be challenging, depending on the family’s history and dynamics. Nevertheless, an open and ongoing dialogue will help with early detection and prevention of financial abuse.

Arrange for a Durable Power of Attorney. The person selected as a Power of Attorney (POA) should be trustworthy and capable of managing finances in case of incapacity. Talk with your estate planning attorney about whether you need to apply certain limitations for your POA or if it should be a broad document. If you are a “solo ager,” you may want to ask your estate planning attorney to act as your POA.

Make sure your estate planning is in order. Estate planning is an essential area of protection for people of any age, especially older adults. If your will, trust, or estate planning documents have not been updated in more than four years, it’s time to make an appointment with your attorney. There are many legal options for safeguarding assets and ensuring that your wishes are followed.

Monitor accounts regularly. Reviewing monthly statements from investments, banks and other accounts is essential for protecting assets. A few simple steps can avert fraud, including freezing credit, setting stricter controls on social media and setting phones to send unknown callers to voicemail.

Signing up for financial account and credit monitoring helps detect irregularities or unauthorized transactions. Allowing a trusted loved one to monitor accounts may make sense, depending on support needs and comfort level.

Safeguard personal information. If you’re using your birthday or your pet’s name as a password, it’s time for new passwords. The digital world has increased risks, and endless scammers with highly technical skills exist. Consider using two-factor authentication where possible—you can’t get into your account until you confirm with a code sent to your phone, text, or email. It is an added step and effective in protecting accounts.

Stay Up to Date on Scams. Financial scams come and go in waves, like fashion. Some people still receive emails about having been chosen by an overseas family who needs to bring huge wealth to America. Others have been targeted by romantic scammers on dating websites. There are Medicare scams, charity scams, IRS impersonation scams, sweepstakes scams and grandparent scams. In other words, thieves try to access accounts and funds in many ways. Be vigilant!

Reference: Kiplinger (Jan. 8, 2024) “Seven Ways to Protect Older Adults from Financial Abuse”

Florida Guardianship Case Raises Red Flag for Estate Planning

No one likes to think of themselves as being older and vulnerable. However, for one Florida man, a medical crisis and the lack of family nearby led to a terrible series of events. The article’s title, from The Washington Post, sums it up: “The retired pilot went to the hospital. Then his life went into a tailspin.”

The former pilot pulled his Ford Mustang convertible into a gas station and appeared so distressed that someone called 911. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors said he had a stroke. He lived alone, as three out of five Americans in their 80s now do. There didn’t seem to be any family members to call. The hospital went to court and argued that the pilot needed a guardian. The judge agreed.

This is not an unusual situation. More than one million Americans are under guardianship, which has been widely criticized for inviting abuse and theft. As Americans age, there is more focus on this arrangement, but few solutions. This man was like many seniors who relocate far from family, and when they show up alone in emergency rooms, they are at risk of falling into the guardianship system.

The court-appointed guardian sold his home for a very low price to a neighbor who was a realtor. An inspector general’s investigation later found “probable cause” for the exploitation of an elderly person and a scheme to defraud. However, the guardian denied any wrongdoing, and there was no criminal investigation.

As it turned out, the pilot, who never married or had children of his own, did have a family. In the past, he had regularly visited his sister, her spouse and a niece and nephew in the Philadelphia area. The visits stopped when his sister developed dementia and died in 2018. His niece said he became harder to reach but eventually would respond to calls and emails until he entered the hospital and no one heard from him.

After the stroke, he was unable to tell anyone to call his family. It’s not clear how hard the hospital tried to reach any relatives.

Like most senior patients, the pilot was covered by Medicare, which pays the hospital by diagnosis, not by length of stay. Generally, in this part of Florida, Medicare pays $23,000 for an elderly stroke patient, assuming a five-day stay. After that, the hospital begins to lose money. Putting a new patient in the same bed would bring in thousands of dollars a day.

The guardian began liquidating his possessions, selling his cars, gun collection, camera equipment and more at an estate sale. She then sold his home before it even went on the market with a private arrangement with a husband and wife real estate team who lived in her community. She sold it to them for at least $100,000 under market value.

While this was happening, a woman who had become an unpaid citizen watchdog after her own father’s horrible guardianship experience uncovered the case, finding court papers about the sale of the house and seeing the undervalued sale. She filed a complaint with the office regulating guardians, hoping it would draw scrutiny to the situation.

At the same time, the pilot’s niece and nephew were searching for their uncle, including writing a letter to the court. However, months went by without a response. Their letter to the court finally got to someone, and the guardian called the nephew. They were happy to establish contact with their uncle, talking with him on FaceTime calls, but had questions the guardian did not answer.

In July 2022, the inspector general’s office issued a critical report stating the guardian had used a “deficient, deceptive and fraudulent” market analysis submitted by the real estate agent. The home was “undervalued and not publicly advertised.” The inspector general’s office urged law enforcement to look into the handling of this home and two other homes the guardian had sold with the same real estate agents. Sadly, the pilot died two days after the state declined to pursue a criminal investigation.

To protect yourself and your family, speak with an estate planning attorney about the documents you need during life: Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, trusts, a will and, equally importantly, creating a plan for contact with family members, no matter the status of your relationships.

Reference: The Washington Post (Nov. 4, 2023) “The retired pilot went to the hospital. Then his life went into a tailspin”

Should I Consume Olive Oil Every Day?

A study presented at NUTRITION 2023, the annual meeting of the American Society of Nutrition, looked at how olive oil intake and dementia-related death could potentially be connected. Prevention’s recent article, “Olive Oil Linked to Lower Risk of Dying From Dementia, Study Shows,” reports that researchers looked at data from more than 90,000 Americans—60,582 women and 31,801 men. The study took place over 30 years in which 4,749 participants died from dementia.

Researchers found that participants who consumed more than ½ a tbsp of olive oil each day had a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia than individuals who never or rarely consumed olive oil. They also saw that switching 5 g (or about 1 tsp) a day of margarine or mayonnaise for olive oil was linked to an 8–14% lower risk of dementia-related death.

The study noted that those who died of dementia were more likely to be APOe4 carriers, a gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, they said the results were still consistent after adjusting for the genetic risk factors.

These findings suggest that olive oil may have beneficial properties for brain health and may play a part in lowering the risk of dementia-related death.

With its antioxidants and powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, olive oil has many health-protective benefits. Generally, olive oil may help reduce the risk of heart disease, boosting gut health, protecting brain health, and improving health parameters, like A1C levels associated with type 2 diabetes.

Diets like the Mediterranean diet that are rich in unsaturated fats have been found to have cardiovascular health benefits. Plus, studies have found that this diet plays a role in reducing the risk of cognitive decline in individuals at risk of dementia.

“Because olive oil is a source of unsaturated fat and a major component of the Mediterranean diet, incorporating olive oil into a healthy lifestyle may provide additional cardiovascular and brain health benefits,” the article explained.

Compared with rarely or never enjoying olive oil, having more than 1½ tsp of olive oil a day may be linked with a 25% reduced risk of fatal dementia. So, keep a small bottle of extra-virgin olive oil on the table so it’s available for drizzling onto your meals for its various health-protective benefits.

Reference: Prevention (July 29, 2023) “Olive Oil Linked to Lower Risk of Dying From Dementia, Study Shows”

How Do I Make a Care Plan for Mom?

Medicare typically doesn’t pay for basic assistance, and families often don’t try to determine how to provide this care until there is a health crisis, which can lead to unnecessary stress, conflicts and escalating costs.

Nerd Wallet’s recent article, “Create a Care Plan for Older Parents (or Yourself),” says that making a care plan well in advance lets families organize, locate appropriate resources and determine ways to pay for care before a crisis hits.

A care plan is thinking through the logistics of what you’ll need as you age, so that you are prepared when the poop hits the fan with aging. A way to cope is to plan for temporary rather than permanent disability. Ask what kind of help you or your loved one might need after a hip or knee replacement. How well is the home set up for recovery? Who would help with household tasks? Contemplating a two- or three-month disability with an eventual return to health is less daunting but involves much of the same planning as a more lasting decline.

Many seniors would like to stay in their current homes as they age, something called “aging in place.” That typically means relying on family members for care, using paid workers, or both. However, if family members will be tapped, discuss the logistics, including whether and how much they will be paid. If home health aides will be hired, consider who will supervise the process.

Look at any savings that can be tapped and whether the senior may qualify for government help, such as veterans benefits, Medicaid, or state programs. Families may want to consult an elder law attorney for personalized advice.

It is important to look at the current home as “aging friendly.” An occupational therapist can suggest adaptations allowing the older person to remain in the home if they’re disabled. The sooner you get this evaluation, the more time you’ll have to prepare. Even if the home supports aging in place, the neighborhood might not. Consider how the older person will socialize, get groceries, and make it to health appointments if they can no longer drive.

An independent living or senior living facility could provide more amenities. However, these typically don’t provide long-term care. Therefore, see if the senior is okay with moving again later or whether they should begin with an assisted living or continuing care facility that can provide more help.

Once you have a plan, capture the details and share it with family members or others who may be involved. Revisit the document periodically as circumstances change. Aging planning is an ongoing process.

Reference: Nerd Wallet (Aug. 24, 2023) “Create a Care Plan for Older Parents (or Yourself)”

How to Plan Ahead in Case a Loved One Has Dementia

Have the conversation about dementia, says The Tribune-Democrat’s recent article entitled, “Dealing with dementia | Planning ahead: ‘Have the conversation.’” Next, get the legal documents and define the future care. Note that the documents’ provisions are ineffective, until the person cannot make their own decisions.

Having the documents in place can help prevent the person from being placed in guardianship by the court. If they have no advance healthcare directives, the family or caregivers must apply to the court for guardianship if incapacity can be proven. When granted, the court appoints a decision-maker, taking away the individual’s ability to make decisions – either in whole or in part. This court oversight continues throughout the individual’s life.

Advanced directives, like a living will, health care power of attorney and financial power of attorney, allow those facing dementia to make their own decisions while they still have the capacity. Family members and potential caregivers should encourage their loved ones to act and get these important documents in place.

An advanced health care directive can include both a living will, which makes known what end-of-life care the individual wants, and a health care power of attorney, which assigns an agent to carry out the individual’s wishes when making health care decisions. The document states goals and values on which to base the decisions. It doesn’t take away the individual’s rights to make those decisions and can cover a broad range of medical decisions, or it can be narrow and limit the types of decisions.

The documents can be revoked anytime but don’t expire until the individual dies. The agents also don’t become personally responsible for the individuals’ debts. Careful consideration should be used in choosing the agent, which can be a family member or other trusted person. The agent should be capable and have a good relationship with the person.

A financial power of attorney is similar. It names an agent and doesn’t take away the individual’s decision-making ability. It ends with death and can be revised anytime. It can include handling money, checks, deposits, property sales and pursuing legal action. However, changing beneficiaries of insurance or making gifts requires specific instructions.

The agent selected should be a person who understands the individual’s feelings and point-of-view and is trusted to respect the individual’s wishes. They should be adept at handling their finances, as financial management becomes very important regarding where you will stay.

Reference: The Tribune-Democrat (July 29, 2023) “Dealing with dementia | Planning ahead: ‘Have the conversation’”

Will Exercise Help My Memory?

The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, looked at data from nearly 4,500 people in the UK who had activity monitors attached to their thighs for 24 hours a day over the course of a week. Researchers analyzed how their activity levels impacted their short-term memory, problem-solving skills and ability to process things.

Prevention’s recent article entitled, “These 5 Exercises Boost Brain Health and Improve Memory, Study Finds,” reports that the study found that doing moderate and vigorous exercise and activities—even those that were done in under 10 minutes—were associated with much higher cognition scores than people who spent most of their time sitting, sleeping, or doing gentle activities.

The researchers found that people who did these workouts had better working memory (the small amount of information that can be held in your mind and used in the execution of cognitive tasks) and that the biggest effect was on executive processes, like planning and organization.

However, those who spent more time sleeping, sitting, or only moved a little instead of doing moderate to vigorous exercise had a 1% to 2% drop in cognition.

“Efforts should be made to preserve moderate and vigorous physical activity time, or reinforce it in place of other behaviors,” the researchers wrote in the conclusion.

Working out regularly can also lower your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Exercise activates skeletal muscles that are thought to release hormones that communicate with your brain to influence the health and function of your neurons, i.e., cells that act as information messengers, Malin says.

“This could, in turn, promote growth and regeneration of brain cells that assist with memory and cognition,” he says.

The CDC recommends that most adults get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise. You can walk your dog if you have one, as a study found that dog owners walk, on average, 22 minutes more every day than people who don’t own dogs.

However, the latest study suggests that more vigorous activities are best for your brain. Getting your heart rate up is key. That can include doing exercises like jogging, swimming, biking on an incline and dancing.

Reference: Prevention (Jan. 28, 2023) “These 5 Exercises Boost Brain Health and Improve Memory, Study Finds”

Estate Planning Blog Articles

Estate & Business Planning Law Firm Serving the Providence & Cranston, RI Areas

What are Challenges Dementia Caregivers Face?

Can Bruce Willis’ Dementia Diagnosis Teach Caregivers?

Estate Planning Can Help Dementia Caregivers

Key Takeaways

What Is Dementia?

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

What are Other Forms of Dementia?

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)

Vascular Dementia

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

How Is Dementia Diagnosed?

The Importance of Early Planning

How Powers of Attorney and Advance Healthcare Directives Can Help

Key Takeaways

Understanding the Risks: Fraud and Financial Exploitation

Protecting against Fraud: Legal Safeguards and Capacity Assessment

Estate Planning’s Role in Protecting Our Aging Loved Ones

Estate Planning and Cognitive Decline Key Takeaways:

Conclusion

Join Our eNewsletter

Recent Posts

Categories

Email/Social Media

Quick Links