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Alzheimer’s Disease – How can AFG LAW help?

Thursday September 21, 2023

Most people have a basic understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease and the devastating impact it can have on both the sufferer and their family.

As a leading law firm which specialises in Private Client Matters, AFG Law, with offices in both Bolton and Bury, have helped many families with the practical steps that can be put in place to support a family member with the condition.

Anita Boardman from AFG Law explains more:

“Alzheimer’s Disease is a brain disorder that gets progressively worse over time, with side effects ranging from memory loss to a decline in simple social skills.”

According to Alzheimer’s Association, about 1 in 9 people aged 65 and older has Alzheimer’s. That is quite an alarming statistic – and if a family member has become forgetful, you may be wondering about the signs to look out for.

Things which point to the potential that someone may be developing Alzheimer’s Disease are:

• Memory loss is a key indicator that someone may be struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease, often repeating / forgetting conversations or agreements, misplacing items or maybe getting lost in an area they frequently visit.
• Their way of thinking and reasoning drastically changes as they struggle to keep attention to the matter at hand. It is common for someone who is dealing with Alzheimer’s be unable to work with numbers, resulting in late payment for bills etc.
• Changes in an individual’s personality can also be an indicator of Alzheimer’s Disease. Some examples of behavioural changes include: Mood Swings (Calm one minute, Aggressive the next), Depression / Depressed thoughts, a general lack of interest in activities they may like doing.

So, what can you do?

At this very unsettling time you may feel rather helpless – yet there may be practical things that you can do to help everyone in the long run:

• Educating yourself about Alzheimer’s Disease. Learn about its effects and how to respond.
• Keeping in touch with them, whether through a visit or a call. It’s important to show that they aren’t alone.
• Be patient. Adjusting to an Alzheimer’s diagnoses is an ongoing process and each person reacts differently.
• Look after the practical side of things. If your relative has Alzheimer’s Disease, you may be required to act on their behalf – and obtaining a Lasting Power of Attorney can be very helpful.

Our lasting power of attorney solicitors can help you decide not only who to appoint as your attorney, but also whether a replacement attorney is necessary and whether multiple attorneys should be appointed jointly or jointly and severally.

We are here to help you and your family so get in touch with one of our team for an initial chat.

info@afglaw.co.uk – 01204 377600