Planning for Life

By Harry S. Margolis

The Alzheimer's Association has released its annual report, Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, which as usual contains some daunting figures, especially as Baby Boomers age and we hear the latest news story of an unsuccessful drug trial. Here are some of the results:

• 5.8 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, which is projected to increase to 14 million by 2050.
• The annual cost of the illness is $290 billion, which is projected to rise to $1 trillion by 2050 (in current dollars). Medicare and Medicaid currently pay $195 billion of this cost.
• More than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care to family members with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia providing an estimated 18.5 billion hours of care valued at $234 billion.

By Harry S. Margolis

A recent article in The New York Times offered some hope for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Entitled "Leading an Active Life with a Diagnosis of Dementia," the article featured a woman, Laurie Scherrer, diagnosed with early onset dementia at age 55 who continues to lead an active life.

Steps Toward an Active Life with Dementia

Here are a few of the steps Ms. Scherrer took:

By Harry S. Margolis

In Mary Ellen Gioia v. Richard D. and Ann L. Ratner, the Essex County superior court in Massachusetts refuses to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a registered nurse who claims she was injured by a patient in her care. She brought the suit against the patient, Richard Ratner, and his wife and health care agent, Ann Ratner. Judge Diane M. Kottmyer rules that the suit against Mr. Ratner can move forward but dismisses the claim against his wife.