Planning Ahead After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: Why Advance Directives Matter
Over 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease today, and the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) predicts that number will climb to 14 million by 2050. While no cure currently exists, you can take meaningful steps after a diagnosis to prepare for the future.
Following your doctor’s treatment plan is critical, but so is creating an advance directive. This legal document clearly states your wishes so doctors and loved ones can follow them when you no longer can. By putting your plan in writing now, you give yourself the freedom to focus on enjoying life, knowing you’ve addressed your future care.
Understand Advance Directives
Advance directives are legal tools that put your decisions in writing. They help your family and health care team honor your preferences when you can’t communicate them. Common forms include:
- Living Will or Instruction Directive – States what medical treatments you want or refuse
- Health Care Power of Attorney or Proxy – Names someone you trust to make health decisions for you
Because Alzheimer’s is now the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., more people are choosing to create a dementia-specific advance directive. This document covers the unique needs that come with cognitive decline.
Create a Dementia-Specific Plan
A dementia directive goes beyond general health care wishes. It spells out your decisions for key areas, such as:
- Where you want to live during each stage of the disease
- When you want to stop driving
- Which caregiver or health care agent you choose
- How you want to finance your care and protect assets
- Care arrangements for pets and household needs
- How to manage changes in personal and intimate relationships
Since Alzheimer’s can last three to twenty years after diagnosis (with an average of eight to ten), this directive creates a long-term guide for your care. It gives your family clear direction, reduces conflict, and helps everyone make decisions with confidence.
Consider VSED (Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking)
Some dementia directives also address VSED—voluntarily stopping eating and drinking as an end-of-life choice.
People often use VSED when they want to avoid a prolonged decline in cognitive function while their body remains strong. This decision can bring dignity and peace of mind, but it requires careful planning.
Laws differ by state, and long-term care facilities must provide meals and feeding assistance by law, which can complicate VSED requests. If you want to include VSED in your plan, speak with an elder law attorney to make sure your wishes are clear and legally sound.
Combine Traditional and Dementia Directives
Your dementia directive should work alongside a standard advance health care directive. Together, they can address:
- CPR and ventilator use
- Artificial hydration and feeding tubes
- Comfort care and pain management
- Organ donation and participation in clinical trials
Having both documents in place protects your dignity, eases family stress, and ensures doctors follow your choices.
Take Control Today
Planning for Alzheimer’s may feel difficult, but once you create your directives, you can focus on living fully.
📞 Call us today at (207) 848-5600 or visit our [Contact Page] to start drafting your advance directives. Together, we’ll help you secure your care, protect your assets, and give your family peace of mind.
