This is a difficult discussion to have, but it will be one of the most important discussions you, your loved one, and other family members will have. Ideally, this conversation should take place as early as possible after receiving the diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s. This allows for your loved one to be part of this conversation, as their wishes and decisions need to be communicated. Knowing what their wishes are alleviates a tremendous amount of stress for all involved.
As is outlined in the section “Individual with Early Onset”, detailed explanations of all estate and financial documents are listed. It is important to know your loved one’s wishes when it comes to artificial nutrition/hydration and whether they wish to be placed on life support.
Once the estate planning and health care documents have been completed, copies of the necessary documents need to be given to the person’s doctor, as well as the individuals named in the documents that have decision-making authority.