“By 2050, the number of Americans age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia may grow to 13.8 million.,” explains Jesse Slome, director of the long-term care insurance organization.  “This represents a steep increase from the estimated 5.8 million Americans age 65 and older who have Alzheimer’s dementia today.”

The Association director was sharing the latest information with specialists who market long-term care insurance protection.   ”The percentage of people with Alzheimer’s dementia increases dramatically with age,” he adds.  According to Slome, some three percent of people age 65‐74 have Alzheimer’s dementia.  The percentage rises to 17 for those between 75‐84 and 32 of those at age 85.

Slome noted that one option available enables the policyholder to begin with a lower growth rate and increase the level in the future.  “Not all companies make an option like this available, which is one reason we strongly recommend working with a knowledgeable specialist who can compare multiple policies from multiple companies,” he adds.

The Association director announced creation of a new updated compilation of information regarding long-term care need.  “So much information available for consumers is out-of-date,” he explains.  “We are going to compile and post the most recent and relevant information as a benefit to consumers as well as insurance professionals.”  Information can be accessed at www.aaltci.org/ltcneed.

The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI) advocates for the importance of planning and supports insurance professionals who market different options including short-term care as well as both traditional and hybrid LTC solutions.  To get information or request long-term care insurance quotes from a specialist in your area call the organization at 818-597-3227 or visit their website at www.aaltci.org.

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Jesse Slome, long term care insurance expert

Over 1.3 million Americans reside in nursing homes according to the director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI).  The majority were aged 65 and older.

“While most individuals today purchase long-term care insurance as a way to remain in their own home for as long as possible, it’s still vital to understand what’s taking place in the nation’s nursing homes,” states Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance.   The leading long-term care insurance expert was sharing information with senior-level insurance professionals reported in the recent report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

According to the latest analysis of nursing home users in 2014, some 41.6 percent of nursing home residents were age 85 and older, Slome shared.  Another 27.2 percent were between ages 75 and 84 and 16.1 percent were between 65 and 74.  “The balance (15.1 percent) were under 65 Slome noted typically the result of accidents, illnesses or lifelong conditions,” he added.  The HHS report reflected there were 15,600 nursing homes in the U.S. as of 2014.

The AALTCI director noted that 66.8 percent of nursing home residents according to the data are women.  “Long-term care is a real issue facing American women both in terms of need and because they so often are the caregivers for an aged spouse or an aging parent,” Slome declared.  “Every American today needs to have some long-term care plan in place with or without long-term care insurance.”

“Long-term care insurance not only benefits families because it gives added options and, of course, funds to pay for needed care, it also benefits taxpayers.  Slome acknowledged that Medicaid paid nearly one-third (62.9 percent) of nursing home costs.

Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias was the leading cause for a nursing home stay.  Over half (50.4 percent) of residents had that diagnosis according to Slome.  Depression and diabetes were two other leading diagnosis.

Consumers seeking long term care insurance cost comparisons and information from knowledgeable long-term care insurance agents can contact the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance at 818-597-3227 or visit the organization’s website at www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance.

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The nation’s leading long term care insurance trade organization calls on health and consumer groups to heighten awareness of advances in understanding ways consumers can significantly reduce the risk of getting dementia.

“Another major study finds that some simple lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by 60 percent,” explains Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI).   ”If there was a pill that had the same effect, everyone over age 50 would be taking a daily dose.”

According to the long-term care insurance organization, dementia, which can include Alzheimer’s disease, affects 15 percent of the over 70 U.S. population.  “The percentage affected increases as one ages,” Slome adds.  “This is not a nice disease, so when one hears of research that demonstrates simple ways to reduce risk, a call for heightened awareness is called for.”

Slome is referring to recent study reported in the Wall Street Journal.  Conducted at Cardiff University in the U.K., researchers followed 2,235 men for 30 years.  “The study started when these men were initially between ages 45 and 59 years old,” Slome notes.   The report found that men who consistently did a few things on a consistent basis reduced their risk for cognitive decline and dementia by 60 percent.

The activities included eating three or four servings of fruits and vegetables daily, maintaining a normal weight and a body-mass index of between 18 and 25, not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.  Walking two miles a day or some similar activity proved to have the greatest impact on risk.

“Considering the millions of Americans who will be living into their 80s, 90s and beyond without a financial plan in place to deal with the costs of long-term care, it would be prudent for a massive educational effort,” Slome advocated.  “We’ll do our part to encourage more people to plan and to live healthy lifestyles.  I hope others join in the efforts.”

The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance is a national trade organization that strives to create heightened awareness and understanding about LTC planning.  For more information or no-obligation long term care insurance cost comparisons call 818-597-3227 or visit the Association’s website at www.aaltci.org.

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“The population of seniors age 85 and older is projected to more than quadruple between now and 2050,” explains Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance, a national trade group based in Los Angeles, CA.  “Financing long term care in Virginia will become a huge problem and kicking the can down the road is fraught with enormous risk.”

The Association director praised a new report researched and written by Stephen Moses, president of the Center For Long-Term Care Reform and presented by the Thomas Jefferson Institute.  “This is a very well prepared look at the current environment that draws some very dire conclusions if we continue to hide our heads in the sand,” Slome explains.  “Kudos to Moses and the Center for another excellent look at the problem in an extremely fair and balanced way.”

“The cost for long term care paid by taxpayers through Medicaid programs are already straining budgets,” Slome notes.  “Medicaid consumes almost 17 percent of Virginia’s general fund expenditures, exceeding elementary and secondary education (15.8%).   And, it’s only going to get worse if nothing changes.”

The report outlines a number of recommendations designed to protect both the current welfare system for the state’s neediest as well as viable options that can assure individuals receive long term care services.  “Long term care insurance is definitely one of the options for those who can health qualify and can afford premiums,” Slome notes.  “Without it, you might just find yourself at the whim of whatever government programs may exist in the future or dependent on your family members to provide care.”

For additional information or for no obligation long term care insurance costs call the organization at (818) 597-3227 or visit their website at www.aaltci.org.

The full report can be accessed online at http://www.thomasjeffersoninst.org/files/3/LongTermCare.pdf

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“Nothing like a study to confirm what your mother always told you that exercise is good for you,” explains Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance.  “We have millions of aging baby boomers who are couch potatoes and these folks face a risk of diseases and a higher rate of needing care.”

Physical activity has many proven benefits, Slome notes.  “Insurers who offer long term care insurance require applicants to meet certain health standards before they are offered this important protection,” Slome notes.  “Weight has an effect on the future risk of cardiovascular disease, bone health and even diseases like Alzheimer’s.”

The study from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, located in Dallas, reveals that one can have a higher quality of life improving the way one ages.   According to findings published in the Archives of Internal Medicine it is possible that fit people delay the onset of chronic illness.  The director of the project is noted as saying they see reduced chronic disease, rather than just delaying the inevitable.’

Researchers studied over 18,000 healthy men and women, who had undergone a treadmill test sometime around age 50.  Using Medicare claims data spanning an average of 26 years, the researchers then linked the treadmill results to the rate of eight chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and colon cancer.

They found that men falling into the lowest fifth of fitness scores, had chronic disease rates that were 28 percent per year. By contrast, the rate was only 16 percent per year among those men in the top fifth.

“When it comes to baby boomers applying for long term care insurance, if you have some weight or health issues it pays to find out which insurer will accept you prior to applying,” Slome recommends.  “There can be variances between insurers and you want to avoid being declined coverage if it’s possible.”

To learn more about the health requirements necessary to health qualify for long term care insurance, connect with one of the Association’s professionals who are members and available to provide free no-obligation information on the topic.  To connect with one call the organization’s national headquarters  at (818) 597-3227.  For free guides on reducing long term care insurance costs visit the Association’s website.

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According to the researchers the benefits of taking the added vitamin supplements were modest.  “Still it is encouraging and good news for aging Americans who are living longer and want to minimize the risk of dementia or cognitive decline,” declares Jesse Slome, executiove director of the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance, the national trade group charged with creating awareness for long term care related issues.

Today, some 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease according to the 2011 Long Term Care Almanac published by the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance.  “Two thirds are women,” explains Jesse Slome, the organization’s director, “and most survive an average of four to eight years after diagnosis, though some live as long as 20 years.”  Alzheimer’s is the leading cause for long term care insurance claims.

By 2050, the Alzheimer’s Association predicts as many as 16 million individuals will be diagnosed with the disease.  They note that of Americans age 65 and over, one in eight has Alzheimer’s and that nearly half of all those who reach age 85 have the disease.

Researchers in Australia asked more than 700 people, aged 60 to 74 years, to take a daily dose of folic acid and vitamin B12 or placebos that resembled the vitamins. The study only included people who showed signs of depression, but were not diagnosed with clinical depression.

The vitamin dose included 400 micrograms of folic acid and 100 micrograms of vitamin B12. Scientists reported that after 12 months, there seemed to be no difference in how well participants scored on mental tests, including memory, attention and speed.

The researchers, however, reported that after two years the participants who were taking the real vitamins showed larger improvements in their scores on the memory tasks.    They noted however that for any given individual, there may or may not be an effect.

The scientists postulated that the reason for the changed results is that the vitamins reduce the body’s levels of a molecule called homocysteine, which is linked to cardiovascular disease and poor cognitive function.

Financial planning experts advise that adults in their 50s and young 60s with a family history of cognitive disorders including Alzheimer’s look into long term care insurance.  “Insurance is only available to those who can medically qualify,” Slome explains, “because the long term care insurance industry already pays out over $6 billion a year in claims, so they look for those who aren’t already diagnosed with some risky condition.”

To learn more about long-term care planning and get long term care insurance costs from a designated expert via the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance’s Consumer Information Center.

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According to research findings, eating non-fried fish that includes baked and broiled fish helps to preserve gray matter neurons.  The scientists note that this strengthens the areas of the brain deemed critical to cognition and memory.

“Scientists report that people with larger brain volume the risk for Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment went down with eating fish as little as one to four times a week. “We’re talking about just a half serving a day,” notes Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance.   ”We would encourage millions of aging Americans to make a very small lifestyle change that can affect their risk of this terrible disease.”

The number of U.S. adults aged 65 years and older is projected to nearly double over the next two decades, Slome, head of the national long term care insurance trade organization explains.  “As a result, the incidence of cognitive issues especially Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is also expected to rise as will the need for costly long term care,” he adds.  Alzheimer’s disease is the number one reason individuals with long term care insurance file claims.

More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease the age-related disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment have less severe memory loss than those with Alzheimer’s but often go on to develop the disease.

The scientists found that those who ate baked or broiled fish had larger mass in the hippocampus, and orbital frontal cortex regions of their brains.  This was regardless of age, gender, physical activity routines, and/or educational achievement, race or weight.  No benefit was evident with respect to consumption of fried fish.

Financial experts advise adults in their mid-50s to learn more about long-term care planning and get long-term care insurance costs from a designated expert.  Two free guides from the LTC association can be read online via the Association’s Consumer Information Center at http://www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/free-quote/.  Slome explains that the best ages to look into this protection is prior to age 65 when health issues including early diagnosis of cognitive issues can make it harder or more costly to medically qualify for coverage.

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Researchers found that nursing home residents who actively participated in a weekly two-hour clowning session involving music, mime and humorous props showed a significant reduction in both physically and verbally aggressive behavior. 

“The number of U.S. adults aged 65 years and older is projected to nearly double over the next two decades,” explains Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, the national trade organization.  “As a result, the incidence of cognitive issues especially Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is also expected to rise as will the need for costly long term care.”

Scientists found that laughter resulted in a 20-percent plunge in overall agitation.  The benefit lasted for at least 14 weeks beyond the conclusion of the clowning program.  They noted an added bonus, the fact that change was achieved without running any of the risk of serious side effects, including falling and premature death, that have been previously associated with prescription antipsychotic drugs. 

The study authors noted that between 70 percent and 80 percent of dementia patients experience some form of agitation and distress, which can include bouts of wandering, screaming and repetitive behaviors. 

The scientists utilized the services of an elder clown who was trained to engage in humor-based therapy in a medical setting.  Sessions were conducted weekly and involved humorous improvisation skills, similar to those used by clown doctors who perform for sick children. 

While agitation remained lower 26 weeks following therapy launch, the boost in both happiness and positive behaviors seen during the program faded once the program ended. 

Jesse Slome, a national long-term care insurance expert advises adults in their mid-50s to learn more about long-term care planning and get long-term care insurance costs from a designated expert via the Association’s Consumer Information Center at http://www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/free-quote/.  He explains that the best ages to look into this protection is prior to age 65 when health issues including early diagnosis of cognitive issues can make it harder or more costly to medically qualify for coverage.

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“The number of U.S. adults aged 65 years and older is projected to nearly double over the next two decades,” explains Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, the national trade organization.  “As a result, the incidence of cognitive issues especially Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is also expected to rise as will the need for costly long term care.”

According to Chicago researchers foods rich in vitamin B12 include those derived from animals and include, eggs, milk, liver, meat, and fish.  Vitamin B12 plays a key role in normal nervous system functioning and brain development. It is also involved in the formation of red blood cells.

Scientists undertook a study of individuals aged at least 65 years. They underwent blood tests to check for B12 and B12-related metabolites levels. They were also assessed for memory and other cognitive skills. Some five years later magnetic resonance imaging scans of their brains were taken to measure comparative brain size and to identify other signs of brain damage.

Those with four of five markers for vitamin B12 deficiency were found to have a higher risk of getting lower cognitive test scores and smaller total brain volumes.  The National Institute of Aging funded the study.

Vitamin B12 plays a key role in normal nervous system functioning and brain development. It is also involved in the formation of red blood cells. 

Planning experts advise those seeking to learn more about long-term care planning and get long-term care insurance cost contact a designated expert via the Association’s Consumer Information Center at http://www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/free-quote/.  They point out that the best ages to look into this protection is prior to age 65 when health issues can make it harder or more costly to medically qualify for coverage.

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A new study published in the current issue of Neurology reaffirms previous research connecting the two illnesses.  According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance some 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and as many as 16 million will have the disease by mid-century. 

The study of more than 1,000 Japanese adults found that 27 percent of those with diabetes developed dementia, compared to 20 percent of people with normal blood sugar levels.  The study also revealed that pre-diabetes, reported as higher than normal blood sugar levels. also raised the risk of dementia. 

The study, conducted from 1988 to 2003, followed over 1,000 men and women, age 60 and older, who took a glucose test to find out if they were diabetic or pre-diabetic. These adults were then tracked over an average of 11 years each. In all, 232 developed dementia, either Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, all-cause dementia or another form. 

Of the 150 who had diabetes, 41 developed dementia, compared to 115 of the 559 people without diabetes. Among the 308 people with pre-diabetes, 76, or 25 percent, developed dementia. 

Diabetes affects close to 26 million children and adults in the United States, with 7 million of them undiagnosed, according to the American Diabetes Association.   “Another 79 million have pre-diabetes,” explains Jesse Slome, a leading long term care insurance expert.  “Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, and as Americans become heavier, more are developing diabetes and thus will be at greater risk of needing costly long term care.” 

In type 2 diabetics, the more common form of the disorder, people don’t have enough of the hormone insulin to convert glucose in food into energy, or they don’t process insulin properly. 

Planning experts advise those seeking to learn more about long-term care planning and get long-term care insurance cost contact a designated expert via the Association’s Consumer Information Center at http://www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/free-quote/.

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