Last month, a team of scientists from the University of Cambridge succeeded in developing an artificial intelligence tool capable of predicting whether someone with early symptoms will go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
It is reported that 1 in 2 people will be affected by dementia in their lifetime – either developing it themselves, caring for someone with the condition, or both. Currently, invasive and expensive brain scans or lumbar punctures are used to diagnose the disease and even these tests are not widely available. This means that, in many cases, early diagnosis is simply not possible.
Now a team of Cambridge scientists have developed a machine learning model that predicts whether a patient with early symptoms of memory and thinking problems will develop Alzheimer’s. Their research indicates that the algorithm is three times more accurate than current clinical diagnostic tools. Crucially, the model can show how quickly the disease will develop or whether the patient’s symptoms will remain stable.
The artificial intelligence model, which utilises data from patients in the US, Singapore and the UK, could give new patients an early warning and provide a greater opportunity to plan for their future care.
From an estate planning perspective, the prediction of a future Alzheimer’s diagnosis and an insight into the rate the disease is likely to develop could also be an opportunity to get your affairs in order well ahead of a decline in mental capacity.
Your Will
Establishing whether you have a valid Will in place is a crucial first step in organising your affairs and will help ensure your assets pass according to your intentions. You should consider whether your Will is up to date, reflects your current wishes and whether your executors know the location of the original. If you need assistance to make or review a Will, a suitably qualified solicitor will be able to assist.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Lasting Powers of Attorney (“LPAs”) are important documents that allow you to appoint a trusted person or persons to help manage your affairs when you are no longer able to do so yourself.
There are two types of LPAs to be aware of:
- A Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows your attorneys to manage your bank accounts and pensions, pay bills and manage any property that you own, among other matters.
- A Health and Welfare LPA allows your attorneys to make health and care decisions on your behalf, such as where you should live, and whether you should receive life-sustaining treatment.
Putting LPAs in place is particularly important if you believe you are at risk of developing a disorder affecting your mental capacity. Without them, your loved ones would have to apply for a Court appointed deputy to make decisions on your behalf – a more expensive and time-consuming process.
Communicating Your Wishes
Discovering that you are likely to develop Alzheimer’s is also a valuable opportunity to talk with your loved ones about how you want to be supported in the future. Taking the time to note down how you feel about key decisions an attorney or executor may have to make, such as the type of care you would like to receive or your desired funeral arrangements, will ensure those around you are properly equipped to act in your best interests.
This artificial intelligence model joins recent innovations in blood tests capable of diagnosing dementia much earlier than current clinical methods. Using the advance warning afforded by these new forms of Alzheimer’s tests to put your affairs in order, will bring peace of mind and may help ease the burden on those around you as you all deal with the emotional and practical difficulties that dementia can bring.