Alzheimers Disease Related to Poor Dental CareWhat if anything, does the health of teeth have to do with memory and the quality of overall health? The number of real teeth in the mouth directly correlates with the possibility of being diagnosed with Alzheimers disease.A study of residents of Leisure World in Southern California indicates a significant correlation between poor dental care and the diagnosis of Alzheimers disease.1 Findings from the study indicate that significant tooth loss meaning, loss of 50% or more of teeth between the ages of 35 and 50, failure to brush teeth daily and missing semi and annual dental appointments result in a greater risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimers disease.Other studies confirm that poor dental care, not brushing teeth daily, results in mental decline. Research confirms the spread of bacteria to the brain likely occurs through the trigeminal nerve which controls our ability to chew.The ability and frequency of chewing is beneficial to the brain. Research confirms the absence of the activity of chewing, because of missing teeth, results in reduced levels of acetylcholine that supports proper functioning of the brain.2 Acetylcholine levels are lower in persons diagnosed with Alzheimers disease and result in memory loss, inability to learn new tasks and disruptive mood and behaviors.Good dental care by way of daily teeth brushing, avoiding infections and retaining the ability to chew is an individual choice. While brushing teeth may seem like a hassle, brushing is better than the alternative. Brushing is a small daily preventative effort taking less than a few minutes a day to ensure decreased risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimers disease or another chronic disease. Making the effort to take care of teeth and your memory is an individual choice.References:1 Paganini-Hill, A. et al. Dentition, Dental Health Habits, and Dementia: The Leisure World Cohort Study. J Am Geriatr Soc 60:1556-1563, 2012.2 Okamoto, N. et al. Relationship of Tooth Loss to Mind Memory Impairment and Cognitive Impairment: Findings from the Fujiwara-Kyo Study. Behavioral and Brain Functions 2010: 6:77.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Pamela D. Wilson, CSA, MS, BS/BA, CG, owner of The Care Navigator. Pamela may be reached at 303-205-7877 or by email at pamela@thecarenavigator.com

To learn more aboutRowe & Walton, P.C., CLICK HERE.It appears that the COVID-19 pandemic is not going away any time soon! Now, more than ever, these three basic estate planning tools should be in everyones preparedness kit.Trust or Will: A trust instructs how your assets are managed during your lifetime and distributed upon death. A will states how your assets are distributed upon death. A trust or will safeguards your family from disputes and other complicated and costly situations, like complex probate. Your trust or will also needs to be updated to reflect your current wishes and ensure that the administrator is willing and able to manage your estate.Durable Power of Attorney (POA): If you need help handling your financial matters, you need a POA naming a trustworthy person. Your POA can speak, act, and sign on your behalf. They can open your mail, pay bills, sign checks, bank, buy and sell property, and discuss legal matters with your attorney. Conversely, you should not add your children or any other third party to your bank account or real property. If that person is seriously injured, sued, or enters bankruptcy, your assets could be at risk. Your POA needs to be up-to-date because many banks do not accept POAs that are more than 7-8 years old. A springing POA is effective only when you are declared incompetent. An immediate POA goes is effective when signed.Medical Directives: Medical directives are an important estate planning tool. Your directive names a person who can pick up prescriptions, attend appointments, and coordinate with your doctor. Without a medical directive, health care professionals cannot legally communicate with a third party concerning your condition, records, or treatment. During the pandemic, at risk or immunocompromised individuals should consider naming an adult child in place of a spouse on their medical directive.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Britten J. Hepworth. Britten is an attorney with Rowe & Walton PC and may be reached at (801) 298-0640 or by email at rw@rowewalton.com.

For more information on the author, The Sheridan at Lakewood Ranch, CLICK HERE!When youre ready to tour a senior living community, its important to prepare yourself. Although your senior living professional will be able to show you around the community, they may not address all of your questions unless you ask them.You should be prepared with questions to ask on your visit about staffing, living spaces, activities, health care, nutrition, and whatever else may come to mind.Weve put together a list of 32 questions in several categories that you might find helpful while visiting a senior living community. Take these with you and ask them if they havent already been answered for you. That way, you can make your final decision with confidence.StaffingAre staff members onsite 24/7?Are staff members subjected to background checks?Is the staff trained on elder abuse and neglect?Does the community have a policy to report suspected abuse?Living SpacesWhat floor plans do you offer?Are your residences furnished or unfurnished?Can residents decorate and personalize their own spaces?Is internet access provided? Wi-Fi?What is your pet policy?Is housekeeping included?ActivitiesWhat types of activities are available to residents, and how often do they occur?Is there a posted schedule of events and activities?Are residents actively encouraged to participate?Do you provide transportation to the grocery store?Are there opportunities to interact with the surrounding community, such as scheduled outings or volunteering opportunities?Is live entertainment part of the activities schedule? If so, what kind, and how often?Health CareDo you have nurses on staff?Do you have an in-house physician?Does someone on staff coordinate home health care visits if needed?Are services such as hospice and physical therapy available?Are incontinence supplies included?Is there a written plan of care for each resident?Do you have transportation for doctors appointments?NutritionHow many meals are provided per day?Are there snacks available for residents?Can meals be provided at varied times, or are there set times for meals?Can meals be tailored to a residents specific needs or special requests?Are residents allowed to take food back to their rooms?MiscellaneousAre overnight guests allowed?Are visitors allowed at any time, or are there specific visiting hours?Are religious services provided onsite or available nearby?Are there any other extra fees? If so, what are they?Of course, if you have more questions, feel free to ask. Senior communities should be happy to accommodate you and make your visit more enjoyable.