Trinity Elder Law & Estate Planning - November 2021

DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS

3 THANKSGIVING DISHES THAT CAN COMBAT AGING

Being Prepared

Step No. 2: Create or Update a Living Will

You may already have legal directives for your medical wishes should you become incapacitated and unable to make these decisions. But an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is grounds for updating this document. For example, you may reconsider who you have named as your durable powers of attorney for your financial and medical needs. Remember, these roles are not prizes; they are responsibilities and should be given to someone you can rely on given what you know about your health after a diagnosis.

Many of us would like to turn back the cruel hands of time, and every year, people spend gobs of money to try to do just that. But here’s the truth: You can’t reverse aging. You can only slow it down and combat the symptoms that come with aging, like dry skin, aching joints, and weakened immunity.

And we’re approaching one of the most anti-aging-rich meals of the season: Thanksgiving. Here are the foods you should try to reap the timeless benefits from.

Step No. 3: Regularly Update Your Estate Plan

Dementia is a progressive disease, and a patient’s needs will change rapidly. As such, regular check-ins with your attorney may be necessary. This will allow for updates as needed, creating an estate plan that best serves the needs of today. Furthermore, partnering with an attorney who understands the complexities of a dementia diagnosis and your family’s situation can make this process easier and quickly done. Our team at Trinity Elder Law & Estate Planning has helped many families navigate the legal complications of dementia. If you have questions, please contact us today.

Cranberries

These tiny bog fruits can work wonders for your waste system while also helping you avoid inflammation. Cranberries fight and prevent urinary tract infections, which can become more common as you age. This bitter fruit has also been known to reduce your risk of developing diseases that are often caused by inflammation, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Be mindful though — canned cranberries contain a lot of sugar, which can outweigh the benefits. Opt for homemade sauce, which is very easy to make and can be made with healthier sweetener alternatives.

Sweet Potatoes

Superfood alert! Sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients to fight against aging ailments. Beta carotene — the compound that makes a sweet potato orange — and phytochemicals, which are plant-based nutrients, are naturally occurring antioxidants that can prevent common diseases, including cancers. Sweet potatoes are also beneficial for those with digestive concerns and diabetes because they are rich in fiber. Much like the cranberry, be mindful of how much sugar should be added to achieve a sweet potato’s benefits.

Easy Cranberry-Apple Salad

Inspired by CookieAndKate.com

Ingredients

For the dressing: • 1/4 cup olive oil • 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 1 1/2 tsp honey • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • Salt and pepper to taste

For the salad: • 1/4 cup dried pumpkin seeds • 5 cups salad mix • 2 Granny Smith apples, chopped into bite-size pieces • 1/3 cup dried cranberries • 1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled

Turkey

Yes, the star of the Thanksgiving table can be beneficial to combating anti-aging! Depending on the cut of the turkey, it can help regulate thyroid function, balance metabolism, and, (with the help of its zinc content) prevent or fight off diseases. Like the other foods on this list, be mindful of how you eat turkey to avoid canceling out all the good it has. For example, processed turkey can be loaded with sodium, and drowning it in gravy may not be healthy.

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, toast the pumpkin seeds until fragrant, then set aside. 2. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients, then set aside. 3. Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing until lightly coated, then toss and serve!

For healthy alternatives and recipes that reap aging benefits, visit FoodNetwork.com.

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