Alzheimer’s disease is far from a new discovery. Although public awareness has grown significantly in recent decades, the condition was first identified and documented over one hundred years ago. For those who have recently received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, the news can be deeply unsettling. A flood of emotions, such as fear, uncertainty, frustration, and sadness, is entirely normal. While emotional processing takes time and support, there are also immediate and practical steps that can and should be taken to secure your future. Toward that end, the Los Angeles attorneys at Schomer Estate & Wealth Advisors discuss taking action after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
What to Know About Alzheimer’s Disease
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that over six million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, with the majority of cases affecting individuals over the age of 65. As the population continues to age, that number is projected to more than double by the year 2050. In fact, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia in older adults and accounts for one in three deaths among seniors in the United States.
The disease is defined as a degenerative neurological condition that impacts memory, thinking ability, and reasoning. Over time, even tasks that once seemed simple become difficult or impossible to perform. While some people experience “early onset” symptoms before reaching retirement age, most diagnoses occur later in life, typically during a person’s 60s or 70s. Alzheimer’s progresses gradually, with the earliest changes occurring silently in the brain, sometimes as long as a decade before noticeable symptoms appear. While modern medicine has made strides in slowing the effects of Alzheimer’s, a cure remains elusive. This reality makes it even more important for those diagnosed with the disease to make essential decisions and preparations while they still have the capacity to do so.
What You Can Do After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Although an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is life-changing, there are ways to take control and protect your interests. In California, as in other states, there are specific legal tools and strategies that can safeguard your health care choices, your finances, and your legacy. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed, consider the following actions:
- Review and revise your estate plan. If you already have documents such as a Will or trust in place, now is the time to review them with an experienced estate planning attorney. Legal challenges to these documents are more likely to succeed if changes are made after mental capacity is in question. Revising your plan while your cognitive function is still strong can prevent disputes and help ensure your wishes are honored later.
- Appoint someone you trust to manage your health care. A California Advance Health Care Directive allows you to name an individual to make medical decisions on your behalf when you can no longer do so. Choosing this person while you are still capable of making informed decisions ensures that your preferences for care will be respected. It also helps your loved ones avoid having to seek a court-appointed conservator in the future.
- Consider executing a Living Will. A Living Will allows you to document your preferences for end-of-life care, such as whether you wish to be kept alive through artificial nutrition or hydration. This document guides doctors and loved ones during emotionally difficult times and provides peace of mind by ensuring that your values and beliefs are honored.
- Address the cost of long-term care. As the disease advances, many individuals require round-the-clock assistance that often involves moving into a residential care facility. In California, the cost of long-term care can be staggering. To avoid depleting your assets, speak with your attorney about Medicaid planning or other long-term care funding strategies. Planning in advance can preserve your resources and help you qualify for assistance when needed.
- Speak openly with family members. Having honest conversations about your diagnosis and your wishes may be uncomfortable, but it is also essential. Open communication can minimize confusion and reduce the potential for family conflict down the road. Letting loved ones know where your documents are located, who you have chosen to make decisions on your behalf, and what matters most to you can foster understanding and unity during what may otherwise be a stressful time.
- Surround yourself with support. Whether through support groups, therapy, or community organizations, you do not need to face an Alzheimer’s diagnosis alone. Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice. California has a wealth of resources for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their families, including the Alzheimer’s Association’s California chapters, which offer education programs, local events, and helplines.
Can We Help You Following an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis?
For more information, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you would like assistance protecting yourself and your assets following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, contact the experienced Los Angeles estate planning attorneys at Schomer Estate & Wealth Advisors by calling (310) 337-7696 to schedule an appointment.
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