Skip to content
Law Offices of John Burns, PLLC
  • Office Closed
  • About John
    • Biography
    • Out-of-Office John
  • Blog
  • Calendar
  • Contact Us
Site Search
Uncategorized

Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention

  • August 16, 2017
  • by John Burns

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the biggest concerns many of us have as we get older. While you may have been told that all you can do is hope for the best and wait for a pharmaceutical cure, the truth is much more encouraging. Promising research shows that you can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias through a combination of simple but effective lifestyle changes. By leading a brain-healthy lifestyle, you may be able to prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and slow down, or even reverse, the process of deterioration. Experts agree that in the vast majority of cases, Alzheimer’s, like other common chronic conditions, probably develops as a result of complex interactions among multiple factors, including age, genetics, environment, lifestyle, and coexisting medical conditions. Although some risk factors—such as age or genes cannot be changed, other risk factors—such as high blood pressure and lack of exercise — usually can be changed to help reduce risk. Research in these areas may lead to new ways to detect those at highest risk.

By identifying and controlling your personal risk factors, you can maximize your chances of lifelong brain health and take effective steps to preserve your cognitive abilities. There are six routines for a brain-healthy lifestyle that are within your control.

  1. Exercise. According to the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, regular physical exercise can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 50 percent. What’s more, exercise can also slow further deterioration in those who have already started to develop cognitive problems. Exercise protects against Alzheimer’s by stimulating the brain’s ability to maintain old connections as well as make new ones.
  2. Social Engagement. Human beings are highly social creatures. We don’t thrive in isolation, and neither do our brains. Staying socially engaged may even protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in later life, so make developing and maintaining a strong network of friends a priority.
  3. Healthy Diet. In Alzheimer’s disease, inflammation and insulin resistance injure neurons and inhibit communication between brain cells. Alzheimer’s is sometimes described as “diabetes of the brain,” and a growing body of research suggests a strong link between metabolic disorders and the signal processing systems. By adjusting your eating habits, to reduce sugar, avoid trans fats and consume fruits and vegetables, you can help reduce inflammation and protect your brain.
  4. Mental Stimulation. Those who continue learning new things throughout life and challenging their brains are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In essence, you need to “use it or lose it.” In the groundbreaking NIH ACTIVE study, older adults who received as few as 10 sessions of mental training not only improved their cognitive functioning in daily activities in the months after the training but continued to show long-lasting improvements 10 years later.
  5. Sleep. It’s common for people with Alzheimer’s disease to suffer from insomnia and other sleep problems. But new research suggests that disrupted sleep isn’t just a symptom of Alzheimer’s, but a possible risk factor. An increasing number of studies have linked poor sleep to higher levels of beta-amyloid, a sticky brain-clogging protein that in turn further interferes with sleep—especially with the deep sleep necessary for memory formation. Other studies emphasize the importance of uninterrupted sleep for flushing out brain toxins.
  6. Stress Management. Chronic or persistent stress can take a heavy toll on the brain, leading to shrinkage in a key memory area, hampering nerve cell growth, and increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Call 512-615-1244 today to learn more about Elder Law, Medicaid Eligibility, Estate Planning Veterans’ Benefits, Guardianships, Durable and Medical Powers of Attorney, Advanced Directives and more.  Email: John@JohnBurnsLegal.com
Law Offices of John Burns, PLLC, 13062 Hwy. 290 West, Suite 115, Austin, TX 78737

Uncategorized

Financial Challenges Facing Seniors…And How to Fight Back

  • May 23, 2017
  • by John Burns

Most of us look forward to a retirement filled with leisure and relaxation, but many older Americans are facing financial difficulties that are destroying their retirement dreams. A recent article addressed some of seniors’ biggest financial challenges and what they can do to fight back. What follows is a summary of the article.

Historically Low Interest Rates

For almost a decade, the Federal Reserve has kept the federal funds rate at a record low. This might be good if you are refinancing debt, but it is disastrous for those who stay in fixed-income investments such as certificates of deposit, money market accounts, savings accounts and bonds—all long-time favorites of seniors who are more risk-averse than other investors.

Low Trust in the Stock Market

The recession provided an opportunity for long-term investors to snap up stocks at attractive lower prices. But for many seniors, it was a reminder of the volatile nature of the stock market which is contrary to their more conservative investing approach. Many of them stayed in their low-yielding fixed-income investments and lost out on the subsequent gains of the rebounding market.

Fight back: Be willing to invest a portion of your investments in the stock market. It’s one of the few places you can invest your money that, over the long term, will outperform inflation. And with people living longer today, your savings will need to last longer than before.

Rising Health Care Costs

Medicare doesn’t cover all medical costs, and out-of-pocket expenses can be substantial. One survey found that 20% of seniors did not see their doctor because of the out-of-pocket costs. Also, the costs of drugs, diagnostics and medical devices continue to rise.

Fight back: Use some of your savings, investment income or work income to purchase supplemental health insurance that will help cover medical expenses not covered by Medicare.

Social Security Issues

According to the Social Security Administration, more than half of all couples rely on Social Security for at least 50% of their retirement income, and almost half of unmarried seniors rely on it for at least 90% of their retirement income. But the cash reserves that supply this income are in trouble and, unless Congress addresses the problem soon, they could run out by 2033.

Unfavorable Job Market

Going back to work is an option for many seniors who have little retirement income or rely heavily on Social Security income. Yet it takes older workers longer to find employment and they are often competing with younger workers who are willing to accept lower wages.

Fight back: Working longer at your current job may be a viable option. You may also be able to find paying work in a hobby or avocation. You may even be able to start a small business to supplement your income.

Debt…and Feeling Obligated to Help Adult Kids

Fully 45% of all homeowners over the age of 62 still have a mortgage payment. Many have credit card and other consumer debt. Of those age 60 and over, who are no longer working, 43% admitted to helping their adult children pay their bills. Many seniors have student loan debt for themselves, their children and dependents going to college.

Fight back: Learn to say “no,” especially if your retirement funds are limited. This is your retirement, and your children and grandchildren need to respect that. If you are earning extra income, use some of it to pay off your debt.

Call 512-615-1244 today to learn more about Elder Law, Medicaid Eligibility, Asset Preservation, VA Benefits, Guardianships, Estate Planning, Durable and Medical Powers of Attorney, Advanced Directives, Probate and more.  Email: John@JohnBurnsLegal.com

Law Offices of John Burns, PLLC, 13062 Hwy. 290 West, Suite 115, Austin, TX 78737

Long Term Care Planning

Dispute Between Brothers Demonstrates Need to Plan for Parents’…

  • April 14, 2017April 16, 2017
  • by John Burns

A recent New Jersey appeals court case demonstrates how important it is for families to come up with a long-term care plan before an emergency strikes. The case involves two brothers who got into a fight over whether to place their mother in a nursing home – a dispute that resulted in one brother filing a restraining order against the other.  Read more

Veterans Benefits

Are You Eligible for VA Disability Compensation?

  • April 12, 2017April 12, 2017
  • by John Burns

 

If you were injured or became seriously ill while serving in the military, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. In 2017, eligible veterans can receive up to $3,458 per month tax-free, depending on the level of disability and number of dependents.

According to the VA’s website, disability compensation is paid to veterans who are at least 10% disabled because of injuries or diseases that were incurred in or aggravated during active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. A disability can apply to physical conditions, such as a chronic knee condition, as well as mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You must also have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

Medical evidence of a current physical or mental disability and its relationship to an injury, disease or event in military service is required. However, under some circumstances, the VA may conclude that certain current disabilities were caused by service, even if there is no specific evidence for your claim. For example, the cause of a disability is presumed for veterans who: are former POWs, have chronic/tropical diseases that become evident within a specific period of time after discharge, were exposed to ionizing radiation, mustard gas or Lewisite while in service, were exposed to certain herbicides, such as by serving in Vietnam, and served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War.

The benefit amount is determined on a case-by-case basis and is graduated, on a scale of 10% to 100%, according to the degree of the veteran’s disability. Compensation may also be paid for disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, even though they may arise after service. The degrees of disability are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time.

If you have dependents, an additional allowance may be added if your combined disability is rated 30% or greater. Your compensation may be offset if you receive military retirement pay, disability severance pay, or separation incentive payments. More information about disability compensation benefit amounts can be found on the VA’s Compensation Rates page.

Claims can be submitted online, in person at a regional VA office, or through an accredited agent or representative. All supporting documentation should be submitted with your claim, including medical evidence and how the disability has affected your life; separation documents; and dependent records (such as marriage and children’s birth certificates). A change in family status can affect your benefits. Be sure to notify the VA immediately of a marriage, birth, divorce, death, parent moving in with you, or child aging out of dependent status.

Veterans’ Pension, is a needs-based program that does not require a service-related disability.  A single veteran with Aid and Attendance can receive up to $1794 per month and a married veteran can receive up to $2127 per month with the Aid and Attendance benefit.

Call 512-615-1244 today to learn more about Veterans’ Benefits, Elder Law, Medicaid Eligibility, Asset Preservation, Guardianships, Durable and Medical Powers of Attorney, Advanced Directives and more.  Email: John@JohnBurnsLegal.com

Law Offices of John Burns, PLLC, 13062 Hwy. 290 West, Suite 115, Austin, TX 78737

Uncategorized

Increased Use of Painkillers Causing New Battle for Veterans

  • March 28, 2017
  • by John Burns

You may have heard there is a massive heroin addiction in our country today, with fatal overdoses destroying far too many families. The use of opioid painkillers, relatively easy to obtain, is often the starting point for the addiction. If the prescription is no longer available, or the insurance company will not pay for it, people often resort to heroin, which is inexpensive and easily found on the streets.

Members of our military are typically prescribed opioid painkillers when they are injured, whether in training or in combat. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have contributed to injuries that require soldiers to be on prescription painkillers, including oxycodone, the main ingredient in Percocet and other addictive painkillers, and hydrocodone. By the time they are discharged, some are addicted. Once out of the military, they may no longer have access to the prescriptions or coverage, and some, like civilians, turn to heroin.

In a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledges its role in creating a large population of opioid-addicted veterans by overprescribing painkillers for injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA patients getting opioid prescriptions increased by nearly 77% between 2004 and 2012. In 2012, one in three VA patients received opioids to manage pain.

Recognizing they had a problem, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs began to de-emphasize opioid painkiller use by turning to other treatment options, including chiropractors, yoga and aquatic therapy. Active-duty soldiers are closely monitored and undergo random drug testing; only about 2% test positive.

While some programs are proving effective, others have created new problems. For example, last year the Drug Enforcement Administration began requiring veterans to refill painkiller prescriptions every 30 days instead of 90 days, to help ensure that the drugs are not being abused. But backlogs at the VA prevented many patients from being able to see a doctor before their medications ran out, causing some to fear more vets will seek heroin to relieve their pain.

The VA has established several opioid-addiction treatment programs. In 2012, it started a detoxification protocol for veterans with an opioid disorder. In 2013, the Opioid Replacement Therapy Program was created and provides vets with Suboxone, a medication-assisted treatment that is FDP-approved for opioid dependence. Veterans are also taught coping skills to achieve and maintain abstinence from opioids and other drugs. In 2014, the substance abuse treatment program expanded education to teach veterans and families how to prevent an opioid overdose, providing information on Naxolone, an FDA-approved medication to treat an opioid overdose. Another program educates veterans on the dangers of combining opiates with drugs and alcohol.

Call 512-615-1244 today to learn more about Veterans Benefits, Elder Law, Medicaid Eligibility, Asset Preservation, Guardianships, Durable and Medical Powers of Attorney, Advanced Directives, and more.  Email: John@JohnBurnsLegal.com

Law Offices of John Burns, PLLC, 13062 Hwy. 290 West, Suite 115, Austin, TX 78737

Blog

Who Will Make Medical Decisions For You If You…

  • March 9, 2017March 20, 2017
  • by John Burns

A Medical Power of Attorney lets you give legal authority to another person (an agent) to make decisions about your health care if you are unable to make them yourself. This prevents the courts from getting involved if there is disagreement between family members and/or the medical community as to what actions you would want taken.

Read more “Who Will Make Medical Decisions For You If You Are Unable?” →

Blog

Shingles Can Lead to Stroke and Heart Attack

  • March 5, 2017March 20, 2017
  • by John Burns

Shingles is a painful skin rash that affects about a million Americans every year, and one in three people will develop shingles during their lifetime. According to a recent study published in PLOS Medicine, shingles can also lead to strokes and heart attacks.

Read more “Shingles Can Lead to Stroke and Heart Attack” →

Blog

Are You Eligible for VA Disability Compensation?

  • March 5, 2017March 20, 2017
  • by John Burns

If you were injured or became seriously ill while serving in the military, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. In 2017, eligible veterans can receive up to $3,458 per month tax-free, depending on the level of disability and number of dependents.

Read more “Are You Eligible for VA Disability Compensation?” →

Blog

Medicaid Reform: Are Block Grants Coming?

  • February 21, 2017March 20, 2017
  • by John Burns

Medicaid, the single largest source of health coverage in the United States, provides health coverage to almost 75 million Americans, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, children, and pregnant women.

Read more “Medicaid Reform: Are Block Grants Coming?” →

Blog

Late-Life Anxiety is Common – and Treatable

  • February 8, 2017March 17, 2017
  • by John Burns

Anxiety occurs in older Americans with surprising frequency. Some reports estimate between 10 and 20% of seniors have generalized anxiety. This number could be even higher, as many seniors deny having psychological issues when asked by their doctors. Instead they focus on the physical symptoms anxiety can cause.

Read more “Late-Life Anxiety is Common – and Treatable” →

Posts navigation

1 2
John Burns, attorney at law

John W. Burns, Ph.D.

Attorney and Counselor at Law

Certified Guardian Ad Litem (State Bar of Texas);
VA Accredited Attorney;
Member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA);
Member of the Elder Counsel

Contact

13062 Hwy. 290 West, Suite 115,
Austin, Texas 78737

Office: (512) 615-1244
Cell: (512) 733-3708
Fax: (888) 519-9415
Email: john@johnburnslegal.com

Recent Blog Posts

  • Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention
  • Financial Challenges Facing Seniors…And How to Fight Back
  • Dispute Between Brothers Demonstrates Need to Plan for Parents’ Long-Term Care
  • Are You Eligible for VA Disability Compensation?
  • Increased Use of Painkillers Causing New Battle for Veterans

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events.

View Calendar

BioAustin

BioAustin

Learn about BioAustin

Copyright © 2017 Law Offices of John Burns, PLLC. All Rights Reserved.
Theme by Colorlib Powered by WordPress