Desert Health News - March-April 2024

. www.cvalzheimers.org www.DesertHealthNews.com March/April 2024 Through the Generations The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 20 MYOFASCIAL RELEASE The Missing Link To Authentic Healing For the Treatment of: • Headaches/Migraines • TMJ • Neck andBack Pain • Fibromyalgia • Carpal Tunnel • Plantar Fasciitis • Neurological Conditions Benefits Include: • Decreased Pain • Decreased Inflammation • IncreasedRange ofMotion • IncreasedMobility • IncreasedCirculation • Improved Posture • ImprovedMood&Cognition 760.895.5145 online scheduling at: https://gina-malloy.clientsecure.me Gina M. Malloy, PT, MS Licensed Physical Therapist OfferingSpecializedTreatment for Women’sHealth Issues (including, but not limited to) Endometriosis • Bladder Incontinence Mastectomy Pain andScars (760) 776-3100 l cvalzheimers.o g 75105 Merle St., Suite 800, Palm Desert, CA 92211 Offering support services, free of cost, to families struggling with dementia in the Coachella Valley since 2017. Become part of the ACV Family by donating, volunteering, or becoming a business partner or event sponsor! Contact us to learn more about Alzheimers Coachella Valley (ACV). We are , your community partner Alzheimer’s is a complex disease and recent breakthroughs in treatment are bringing hope to individuals affected by the disease and their families. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several new medications to help manage the symptoms or treat the disease. Following is an overview of each. Cholinesterase inhibitors such as Galantamine (Razadyne), Rivastigmine (Exelon) and Donepezil (Aracept) are prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s symptoms. Taken orally in pill or tablet form, these drugs may help reduce or control some cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Because cholinesterase inhibitors work in a similar way, switching from one to another may not produce significantly different results, but patients may respond better to one drug versus another. The latest guidelines suggest that these three drugs be continued in the later, severe stages of the disease. Lecanemab (Leqembi®), a monoclonal antibody directed against Amyloid beta, is currently the only disease modifying therapy (DMT) with full traditional FDA approval, explained Christopher Hancock, MD, a preeminent expert certified in diagnostic radiology and neuroradiology. “Lecanemab marketed as Leqembi, is indicated for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or the mild form of Alzheimer's disease,” he adds. Lecanemab is delivered through IV over one hour every two weeks. The FDA granted accelerated approval for Aducanumab (Aduhelm) in 2021, which is also an immunotherapy for people living with the early stages or mild symptoms of the disease. The drug company must conduct additional studies on the clinical benefits to gain full FDA approval. This medication is delivered through IV over one hour every four weeks. Memantine (Namenda) can be prescribed for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. This drug decreases symptoms, which could enable some patients to maintain certain daily functions a little longer than they would without the medication. Delivered once or twice a day through a tablet, liquid or an extended-release capsule, Memantine is suitable for those who cannot take or are unable to tolerate cholinesterase inhibitors such as Galantamine, Rivastigmine and Donepezil. When asked about other research efforts, Dr. Hancock expounded, “ManyAlzheimer's disease researchers and clinicians are excited about additional monoclonal antibody treatments currently being developed to prevent and treat expanded stages of Alzheimer's disease. I am most hopeful, however, in using adjunctive lifestyle modifications, including restorative sleep hygiene, high intensity strength and cardiovascular exercise, and the specific dietary approaches of low carbohydrate and nutritional ketogenic diets.” Currently the director of neuroradiology and the neuroscience innovation officer at HALO Diagnostics Desert Cities, Hancock has authored and co-authored journal articles and internet publications on many topics, including Alzheimer’s disease/ dementia. If you are considering taking an Alzheimer’s medication, talk with your physician about options, including clinical trials. Also, be sure to ask about the medication side effects, as they can be severe. And lastly, work with your health care provider to determine the best treatment plan because Alzheimer’s affects everyone differently and treatment is highly individualized. Patricia Riley is a board member of Alzheimers Coachella Valley, a community resource for dementia support and education. For more information, call (760) 776.3100 or visit www.cvalzheimers.org. New Treatment Brings Hope for Alzheimer’s Patients By Patricia Riley • Your reimbursement for future payments of the cost of care may not start until you have paid for all care during the elimination period unless your policy states otherwise. • You may have to pay upfront for the care after the elimination period, and someone will need to be responsible for submitting your receipts and documentation from the caregivers to the insurance company to get your reimbursement (this process can take up to a week or more each time you write a check for caregivers). • Assisted living facilities and most larger care agencies have staff to help with submitting their information, but you still need someone to help assure the funds get back into your bank. Don’t assume all happens as it should per the policy. There is a lot of work involved to get the insurance to pay out these benefits, and you may be too ill to get it done. Eligibility for benefits • Know what your policy considers as qualifying criteria to use your benefits. Most policies require the inability to perform a certain number of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, meal prep, errands and transportation to medical appointments, to name a few. • Pay close attention to the requirements for who can provide ADL assistance. Most insurance companies require caregivers to have a state license and liability insurance (this is for your protection!). Get copies of these when hiring caregivers and be prepared to submit them to the claims department. • Typically, the insurance company will send a nurse to your home to conduct an assessment to determine whether you meet eligibility requirements and create a plan of care. This takes more time and may delay your ability to access funds. Be prepared to pay for several weeks or months before you start receiving reimbursement. Benefit period and amount • Check your policy to determine how many years of LTC coverage you have and the maximum amount it will pay, so you can verify you have what you will need. Consult with professionals and family • Speaking with a financial planner or eldercare attorney can provide insights into how your LTC insurance fits into your overall retirement plan. • Your loved ones must understand your wishes and the specifics of your LTC coverage. This can ease decision-making processes down the line. Long-term care insurance is a significant aspect of retirement planning that can safeguard your assets and ensure you receive the care you need in later life. By understanding your coverage before you need it, you're taking a proactive step toward a secure future. Remember, it's not just about having long-term care insurance, but knowing how it works to fully leverage its benefits when necessary. Dr. Porter is CEO and founder of MyHealth.MyAdvocate in Palm Desert. She is an experienced health care professional with over 30 years of nursing practice dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of healthcare processes and advocating for patients, families and caregivers. Immediate assistance is available by calling (760) 851.4116. www.myhealthmyadvocate.com Understanding Your Long-Term Care Policy Continued from page 9