Concern: COVID-19 May Set the Stage for Alzheimer's
Science is still learning about COVID-19 and the consequences it has on health. Memory problems are the latest concern. Dementia is already a significant health issue, and planning is key.
Medical professionals know that the lack of taste and smell is an early symptom of COVID-19 infection. This reduction in your senses is because the virus is affecting the brain area that helps us sense odors.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health, San Antonio, are looking into a connection between those people with COVID-19 infections that experience persistent cognitive problems and the development of Alzheimer's.
These San Antonio researchers are among many worldwide who are presenting their findings on how the COVID-19 virus affects the brain at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference.
Global studies looking at 40,000 patients will help answer the connection between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's. A Northwestern Medicine health system study found that over 80% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients had neurological symptoms.
Mild COVID-19 Infections Can Cause Memory Problems
Mild cases of coronavirus infections, in some people, include brain fog and other cognitive problems, which is troubling for doctors and researchers.
There also appears to be some scientific evidence implying it is very likely that COVID-19 can have long-term effects on the brains and nervous systems of those who were infected by the virus.
The Alzheimer's Association is helping launch a study to understand better how COVID-19 could increase the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's and psychiatric illnesses, including depression.
Hope for Early Treatment and Cures
Answers may help medical researchers find better early treatments to avoid long-term cognitive issues due to virus infection. Cognitive decline often leads to an individual needing long-term care services and supervision, which are costly and not covered by health insurance and Medicare. Medicaid will pay for long-term care services if the person has little or no income and assets. Long-Term Care Insurance will also provide benefits, but you must purchase a policy when you have relatively good health.
There is so much that science does not yet understand about the COVID-19 virus. The research will help but will take time. The consequences of aging and cognitive decline are already a significant concern with families and their finances.
Memory loss, brain fog, seizures, strokes, and neuropathy are just some of the health issues associated post COVID-19 infection. These health problems are also associated with a higher risk of needing long-term care services.
Brain Function and COVID
Many research studies have associated COVID-19 infection and problems with brain function. One inevitable conclusion from research so far is that COVID-19 infection frequently leads to brain damage, particularly in those over age 70.
Some people infected with the virus suffer from anxiety and depression, in addition to lingering symptoms of difficulties with memory and thinking. Researchers have also discovered that some genes responsible for increasing the risk of severe COVID-19 infection are linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
All the more reasons to take precautions to avoid infection, get vaccinated, and plan for long-term health care when you are younger and still enjoy good health.
COVID-19 or not, planning for long-term care is essential.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
Planning for future long-term health care has become a vital part of retirement planning. However, in states considering a tax, obtaining coverage may become a priority right away.
Generally, people obtain LTC Insurance in their 50s as part of their retirement planning. Is Long-Term Care Insurance appropriate for you? It depends. If you have enough income and savings to protect, the answer is yes. What if you are younger and have not yet saved much money or maximized your income potential? The answer is less clear.
Seek the assistance of a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist who works with the top companies. They will review your situation and help you determine what action, if any, to take.
One thing is for sure, aging happens, and the consequences on your family and finances can be life changing. Being prepared will reduce family stress and ensure your access to your choice of quality care options while safeguarding assets.
Get Expert Assistance in Planning
Long-term care is a very specialized area, and few insurance agents and financial advisors have the expertise. Seek the help of a specialist who represents the top companies.
Experts recommend seeking the help of a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you find the right coverage. A specialist will match your age, health, and family history with the right coverage at the right price.
Top specialists will often have over 500 clients with Long-Term Care Insurance, some in the thousands. This experience is necessary as every company has its own underwriting criteria. Plus, premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies.
A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
LTC NEWS Offers Many Planning Tools and Resources
Planning for the future is never easy, but long-term health care planning can be very complicated and comes with many emotions. Getting the right tools and resources will make the process much easier.
One of the goals is to reduce the stress and anxiety usually placed on your family at the time of crisis. LTC NEWS can be beneficial in providing you with important information for you to consider.
LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
- The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
- The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
- Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
- A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Finding Quality Care for Mom or Dad
If your family is already in crisis and you need to find help for mom or dad, LTC NEWS can help. We have put together several comprehensive guides to help you in your process.
Start by reading our guides -
- Finding Quality In-Home Care | LTC News
- Adult Day Care Centers (ADCCs) | LTC News
- Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities | LTC News
- Finding a Quality Nursing Home | LTC News
If your loved one is lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Help in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Many insurance companies have issued Long-Term Care Insurance policies over the years. Filing a claim can sometimes be complicated unless you know what to do or get expert help and assistance.
Don't allow the claim process to stop you from using the benefits available in an LTC policy. Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care.
If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help. LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you, or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work - free with no obligation.
Get help finding quality caregivers or long-term care facilities and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance. You might be eligible at younger ages as well.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, and even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.
Be sure to write for our core target audience of adults aged 40 and older. Our audience is worldwide; however, our primary target is the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other English-speaking nations.
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Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
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Learn more about how LTC NEWS can help you market your business, drive traffic, and improve SEO - Advertise With Us | LTC News.
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