Oakland County Probate, Estates and Trusts Committee | Alzheimer’s Association

I recently attended an Oakland County Bar Association meeting of the Probate, Estates and Trusts Committee.  This is a group of Oakland County estate planning lawyers that meets monthly to discuss current Michigan probate, Michigan estate planning and Michigan elder law issues. The featured speakers were Jean Barnas Haratsaris and Marc Berke from the Alzheimer’s Association.  It was a great meeting that raised my awareness of the disease, its warning signs and some steps we can all take to reduce the chances of getting the disease.

The ten warning signs are:

1. Memory Loss.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks.

3. Problems with language.

4. Disorientation to time and place.

5. Poor or decreased judgment.

6. Problems with abstract thinking.

7. Misplacing things.

8. Changes in mood or behavior.

9. Changes in personality.

10. Loss of initiative.

Now Jean and Marc were quick to point out that we all forget were we put our keys sometimes and that doesn’t mean we are developing Alzheimer’s.  Recognizing these signs however could mean a quicker diagnosis and treatment which can slow the disease’s progression.  The best way to reduce your risk is to eat what most of us have come to know as a heart healthy diet: eat lot’s of colorful foods including those containing Omega Three and watching our weight, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure.

If someone you care about has begun to show signs of dementia it is important that their estate plan be reviewed by a Michigan estate planning attorney.  If changes are necessary it is crucial they are done while the person still has capacity.

-Michael Witzke, Esq.

Bloomfield Hills Estate Planning Attorney