Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia in India. According to the studies, the rate of prevalence of dementia doubles every five years. It is a general term that describes symptoms such as loss of memory, problem-solving skills, language, and thinking abilities. This happens when brain cells are damaged and interfere with their normal functioning.
Along with physical and mental problems, such diseases can also trouble you financially if you do not have an insurance plan. Hence, one can opt for insurance for Alzheimer’s care.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, is a brain disorder that begins with mild loss of memory and gradually affects your thinking skills and behavior. As a result, the patients find it challenging to carry out the simplest tasks such as driving, performing familiar tasks, making judgments, etc. The early signs of the disease are trouble with memory. For example, the patient might find remembering recent conversations and events challenging. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, severe memory impairment and other mental functions. In the advanced stages of the disease, the case can be complicated and lead to death.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease:
Here are a few common symptoms of the disease:
1. Trouble doing simple math and solving problems
2. Challenges in doing familiar tasks
3. Difficulty in speaking or writing
4. Random mood changes
5. Misplacing possessions and trouble in planning
6. Confusion with place or time
7. Facing difficulty in understanding visual images
8. A loss of appetite
9. Irritability and mood swings
10. Jumbled speech or senseless repetition of random words
Patients can even get lost in familiar locations or forget the names of their family members. Hence, the disease should be diagnosed at the earliest and treated accordingly.
Cause of Alzheimer’s disease
The exact cause of this disease is not accurately known yet. But according to scientists, the condition is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. It is believed that the disruption of brain cells occurs due to the deposition of proteins called beta-amyloid and tau.
No medication can cure Alzheimer’s, but the symptoms can be reduced. However, the treatment can temporarily relieve the disease’s symptoms and improve the brain’s functioning. This disease is more common in people older than 65, so it is necessary to take care of your sleep, nutritional diet, and physical activity for prevention. Once a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it can be expensive and challenging for the family members to afford the treatment. Therefore, getting the expenses covered under a critical illness health policy is vital.
Does insurance cover Alzheimer’s care?
Yes, you can obtain insurance for dementia care by availing of the benefits of the critical illness feature. Alzheimer’s disease is considered a critical illness in most insurance policies. There are numerous advantages of purchasing critical illness insurance for Alzheimer’s care, such as:
- The lump sum amount is paid in a single transaction, so you do not have to worry about paying on a regular basis.
- The amount can be utilized for the care and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
- With affordable premiums, you can manage to cover the expenses of ICU, chemotherapy, or other medical procedures, if required.
- You can claim the charges for pre and post-hospitalization. Additionally, it also pays for the ambulance and doctor appointments.
- The payout also comes with tax exemption benefits under Section 80D.
A balanced diet, regular exercise, controlled blood pressure and diabetes, a proper sleep cycle, and low consumption of alcohol have all been associated with reducing the risk of developing mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, purchasing critical illness insurance provides Alzheimer’s insurance coverage to get efficient treatment without worrying about medical expenses. Along with the monetary support from the plan, it also brings you a sense of relief that your loved ones do not have to meet the financial pressure in such difficult times.
