According to researchers at the University of Florida & the McNight Brain Institute Center for Smell and Taste, it seems as though a simple whiff of peanut butter can identify your chances of having Alzheimer’s. The study measured the distance in which the patients (both those suffering from dementia, as well as the control group) could smell a spoon of peanut butter with they eyes closed – one nostril at a time! The researchers discovered that the ability of patients in early stages of Alzheimer’s to detect the peanut butter varied significantly between nostrils.
Although an estate plan cannot tell you if you will be dealing with lack of capacity in the near future, there are many documents you should have in your plan to ensure that you are prepared for as much. Look to the following health-related documents to plan for the day where you many not wake up and smell the peanut butter!
1. Durable Power of Attorney – this allows you to designate and authorize someone to legally act on your behalf, in the event that you become incapacitated. The instrument will specifically state the powers that you are giving the person that you nominate to act on your behalf. Furthermore, this person must make decisions that are in your best interest, not their own. Take careful consideration in determining who you want stepping into your shoes.
2. Combination Living Will & Designation of Healthcare Surrogate – this outlines important healthcare decisions in advance, and appoints a healthcare surrogate to make healthcare decisions for you when you become unable to do so yourself. Be certain to name someone, otherwise, a proxy may be designated in which you would never chose yourself. You want to chose who’s hands your life is in, right?
Whether or not you can smell the peanut butter, be sure to include medical-related documents into your estate plan, ensuring you have control when you otherwise would not!
For more information on successful Florida estate planning and asset protection techniques, please contact the South Florida law firm of Wild Felice & Partners, P.A. at 954-944-2855 to schedule your free consultation.
It’s a Wild world. Are you protected?SM