Spring Arbor Living Blog

As many break throughs in the research of dementia and Alzheimer's continues researchers are getting closer and closer to find a proper medication for this terrible affliction. Recently some medications were approved that help with Alzheimer's. Although current medications cannot cure Alzheimer’s or stop it from progressing, they may help lessen symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion, for a limited time.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two types of medications — cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne, Cognex) and memantine (Namenda) — to treat the cognitive symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and problems with thinking and reasoning. While these are no cure it is still a huge step in helping to rid patients with Alzhiemer's

As Alzheimer’s progresses, brain cells die and connections among cells are lost, causing cognitive symptoms to worsen. While current medications cannot stop the damage Alzheimer’s causes to brain cells, they may help lessen or stabilize symptoms for a limited time by affecting certain chemicals involved in carrying messages among the brain's nerve cells. Doctors sometimes prescribe both types of medications together. Some doctors also prescribe high doses of vitamin E for cognitive changes of Alzheimer's disease. If you know a loved one who has suffered from this illness, contact us today and we'll be happy to help with any questions or do what we can for you and your loved one.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink |

Location - Williamsburg, VA: One of the Veterans Administration's best kept secrets is a non service connected pension to help pay for assisted living, home health care and even nursing home care. Most Veterans think VA pensions are only for service-connected disabilities. However, there is a service connected pension available to pay for disabling conditions such as Alzheimer's, Dementia, MS, Parkinson's and blindness. This can be a great benefit for Veterans, their spouses, widows, and widowers.

For Veterans 65 years of age or older: If you are housebound or in assisted living and over age 65, the VA presumes you to be in need of "Aid & Attendance". NOTE: you do not need to be helpless, only in need of the help of others.

For Veterans under the age of 65: You must be totally and permanently disabled if you are under age 65 to receive this pension. "Aid & Attendance" is a part of this pension that is very important. Simply put, if you need the aid & attendance of another person in order to live in a safe and healthy environment (for example you need someone else to help you bathe, dress, ambulate or prepare meals you could be entitled to this benefit.

The maximum benefit amounts for 2010 are: Veteran with spouse $2,047.00 per month, Veteran only $1,794.00 per month and a surviving spouse $1,100.00 per month TAX FREE. This is not a Medicaid program. Medicaid benefits are part of the welfare system with strict income and asset limits. VA non-service connected pensions are an entitlement because you served your country. They have been around since 1951. You do not have to be broke to qualify for this pension. There are limitations that can be very confusing. Your income must be less than the maximum allowable pension. Income can be reduced by recurring, non-reimbursable monthly medical expenses. This includes the cost of assisted living or home health care. Therefore income is not typically a problem for qualification.

A Veteran over age 65 with $1,500.00 per month of income and $2,500.00 per month cost of care would be entitled to a pension of $1,646.00 per month due to income being reduced to zero. This is only one example. Each client has a different set of circumstances requiring a different approach to qualification and the calculation of benefit amount. There is no established asset limit for benefit entitlement. Again the VA has various calculations that apply depending on individual circumstances. Note: the value of your home is not included as an asset.

To apply for this pension, it is advisable to seek the help of an experienced VA advisor. A VA advisor can provide pre-application consultations to determine the steps that must be taken in order to determine if you should apply for this benefit.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink |