Estate Planning

Alzheimer's Advance: 115 Million by 2050

By Hull & Hull LLP

We have reported on Alzheimer's frequently in our blogs. A World Alzheimer's Report released this week is another reminder of the widespread implications of the disease.

In Canada, about one in every 11 people over the age of 65 is living with Alzheimer's or a related dementia. Worldwide, the figure is about 35.6 million and it will grow to 115 million in 40 years. The report focuses on the impact on caregivers, healthcare infrastructure and the economy.

Of course the impacts will be felt in the legal field as capacity issues occur more frequently: a spouse caring for his or her partner; children caring for parents and the state stepping in when no one else is available to assist. Each scenario will require that guardianship issues be addressed; personal property and personal care decisions will ideally have been addressed in advance.

A story that unfolded over the last few years is a case in point. A Nova Scotia couple was separated as a woman with dementia was brought back to Britain against the wishes of her husband. The siblings who took her back to the U.K. claimed they were following her wishes. The husband said otherwise. The saga ended this week as the woman's ashes were returned to her husband. 

Advances in medicine may halt the advance of this disease. In any event, it is advisable to consider continuing powers for property and continuing powers for personal care.

Enjoy your day. 

Jonathan 

Full post as published by Toronto Estate Law Blog on September 24, 2009 (boomark / email).