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Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100. Unions, worker co-ops tackle historic wealth gap; NM political expert says 'polarization' is the logical word of the year; AL higher-ed conference to address workforce, boost student transfers.

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Former President and humanitarian Jimmy Carter dies at age 100, extended funding for 9 11 responders is cut from the federal budget, and Republicans prepare a major overhaul of the nation's voting procedures.

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From the unprecedented election season to the latest environmental news, the Yonder Report looks back at stories that topped our weekly 2024 newscasts.

Rising Alzheimer's rates prompt renewed focus on end-of-life planning

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Monday, April 22, 2024   

The 2024 Alzheimer's Association annual report forecasts a doubling of Americans age 65 and older living with dementia - from 7 million to 14 million by 2050.

According to Jessica Empeño, national director of clinical engagement with the group Compassion & Choices, age is a major risk factor for dementia - particularly in Florida, a top state for dementia cases due to its aging population.

Empeño emphasized the urgent need for proactive healthcare decision-making.

Her group offers an End of Life Decisions Guide and a Dementia Values and Priorities Tool online, to help people communicate and document their future healthcare wishes.

"A woman shared with me that she completed the tool, and then gave a copy to her doctor," said Empeño, "and that was how she opened the conversation and said, 'I would like to be able to talk about this - and how, you know, how can you help me honor my wishes?' "

Empeño said the woman, who was experiencing the early stages of the disease, felt empowered to participate in the decision-making process.

She said people should be encouraged to have these conversations with friends, family, and anyone close, year-round.

Empeño described the free Dementia Values and Priorities Tool as "going deeper" than other end-of-life planning options, and said it is specifically tailored to the unique progression of dementia.

"One of the things that we incorporated into the tool are brief videos from healthcare professionals explaining commonly used - but not always well-explained - terms," said Empeño, "things like 'comfort care,' 'life-sustaining treatment,' even 'quality of life.' "

According to the Alzheimer's Association, some 580,000 Floridians over age 65 live with Alzheimer's disease, and 13.6% of people over age 45 are experiencing cognitive decline.



Disclosure: Compassion & Choices contributes to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement, Health Issues, Senior Issues, Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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Jimmy Carter, seen here with Mashun D. Simon and Carter's wife Rosalynn, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his many years of international humanitarian service. (Photo courtesy of Simon)

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