Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia, following Alzheimer's disease. We will explore the nature of vascular dementia, its causes, symptoms, and available management strategies, providing valuable insights for individuals and families affected by this condition. What is Vascular Dementia? Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in damage to brain cells. It typically occurs as a result of stroke, heart attack, small vessel disease, or other conditions that affect blood vessels in the brain. Vascular dementia can manifest in various ways, depending on the affected brain areas, and its progression can vary from person to person. Causes and Risk Factors: Vascular dementia is commonly caused by conditions that impair blood flow to the brain, including: Stroke: A significant risk factor for vascular dementia, especially when it occurs in multiple or critical brain regions. Small Vessel Disease: Damage to small blood vessels in the brain due to conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Atherosclerosis: The buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain. Brain Hemorrhage: Bleeding in the brain, often associated with hypertension or other vascular conditions. Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs): Brief episodes of reduced blood flow to the brain, often referred to as "mini-strokes." Symptoms and Challenges: The symptoms of vascular dementia can vary depending on the location and extent of brain damage. Common signs and challenges include: Memory Loss: Individuals with vascular dementia may experience difficulties with memory, especially in recalling recent events. Cognitive Impairment: Problems with attention, concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving may be present. Executive Functioning Issues: Difficulties in planning, organizing, and completing tasks may arise. Mood and Behavioral Changes: Depression, irritability, and apathy are common, along with changes in personality and social interactions. Motor Problems: Some individuals may experience difficulties with balance, coordination, or walking. Diagnosis and Management: Diagnosing vascular dementia involves a comprehensive evaluation of medical history, cognitive assessments, brain imaging, and ruling out other potential causes. It is essential to distinguish vascular dementia from other types of dementia to develop an appropriate management plan. Managing vascular dementia typically involves addressing the underlying vascular conditions and risk factors. Treatment may include medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood thinners to prevent blood clots. Lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation are crucial for maintaining brain health. Cognitive rehabilitation, therapy, and caregiver support are also vital components of managing vascular dementia. The Impact: Receiving a diagnosis of vascular dementia can be overwhelming for both individuals and their families. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, and educational resources can provide valuable guidance and a sense of community. Understanding the condition, its challenges, and available resources can empower individuals to navigate their journey with greater confidence. This is why the Argo team do what we do. We want to make this journey for dementia families easier and seamless. We don't want our clients falling into cracks, not getting the information they need and not understanding the journey. We are here to support our clients living with vascular dementia to lead fulfilled and happy lives, safe in the knowledge that their family has been protected and considered. If you want further help or support in relation to dementia please give us a call on 01622 843729.

In our focus about dementia I thought I would give you an insight today into Lewy Body Dementia. This is the third most common type of dementia. Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a complex dementia and is often misunderstood. Lewy Body Dementia makes up about 10-25% of dementia cases. It is named after the abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies that form in the brain. LBD affects cognition, behaviour, and movement. It shares similarities with both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease and often symptoms are a combination of cognitive decline and movement-related issues. So what are the symptoms? Symptoms of LBD are wide ranging and change, which makes diagnosis and management complex. You might see: Cognitive Fluctuations: Individuals with LBD may experience significant changes in attention, alertness, and concentration that can fluctuate throughout the day. Visual Hallucinations: Vivid and often unsettling visual hallucinations are a hallmark of LBD. These hallucinations can be challenging for both individuals and their caregivers to navigate. Parkinsonism: Motor symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness, tremors, slow movement, and impaired balance, may manifest in individuals with LBD. REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD): LBD is often accompanied by RBD, a condition in which individuals act out their dreams during the REM sleep phase, potentially causing injury to themselves or others. Psychiatric Symptoms: Depression, anxiety, apathy, and personality changes are common in LBD, adding to the complexity of the disease. Diagnosis and Management of Lewy Body Dementia: Diagnosing LBD can be challenging. Where its symptoms overlap with other illnesses diagnosis can take time and sometimes individuals can be misdiagnosed. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, including a detailed medical history, neurological examination, and specific diagnostic assessment. A team of specialists will be involved in any assessment. Treatment may involve medications to manage cognitive and movement symptoms, lifestyle modifications, and therapy aimed at addressing specific challenges. Caregiver support and education are vital for navigating the LBD and ensuring the well-being of both the individual and their caregivers. Don't forget the carers: Living with Lewy Body Dementia can be daunting, but individuals and families should remember that they are not alone. If you are for someone it is crucial to prioritize self care and seek support. A carer needs to have a support network as much as the individual living with Lewy Body Dementia. Developing a structured routine, implementing safety measures and engaging in social activities will benefit both the carer and cared for. Lewy Body Dementia presents unique challenges that require a comprehensive understanding and support network. By increasing awareness, advocating for improved resources, and nurturing a compassionate community, we can improve the lives of individuals and families affected by Lewy Body Dementia. Our team at Argo understand this and have tailored our services to support families who live with Lewy Body Dementia. Living with Dementia is a team activity and like any team activity we have to make sure that all team members are healthy and well. This is how we provide our advice and support. We will not leave you after we have had an initial conversation. We will be there with you, on your journey, holding your hand throughout whether we are helping you prepare your will, supporting you with a care assessment or just being on the end of the phone if you are having a tough day. Argo is part of your team! Please give us a call on 01622 843729 if you want to see how we can help you further.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. As advocates for dementia care, Argo believes that knowledge is the key to empowering families facing this challenging condition. Let's delve into the world of Alzheimer's and unravel some of the mysteries of this debilitating disease together. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. It is a neurodegenerative disorder, a misfire in how the mind and brain functions. You will see a gradual decline of cognitive function in those living with Alzheimer's memory loss and may see behavioural changes, and difficulties with daily activities. The disease typically progresses over time, making early detection and intervention crucial. So if you are worried that someone you love is showing symptoms get them checked out. It may not be Alzheimer's but something simple like a UTI. The exact cause of Alzheimer's remains unknown. If you speak to researchers like Alzheimer's Research UK www.alzheimersresearchuk.org they will tell you that a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors may contribute to its development. Age is the greatest risk factor, with most cases occurring in individuals over 65 years old. Other factors such as family history, certain gene variations, cardiovascular conditions, and head injuries may also increase the risk. So what are the symptoms? Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. You might see Memory loss: Difficulty remembering recently learned information, names, or events. Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places, difficulty with spatial awareness. Challenges in problem-solving: Difficulty with planning, organizing, and completing tasks. Language problems: Struggling with finding the right words, following conversations. Changes in mood and behaviour: Depression, anxiety, irritability, and personality changes. Withdrawal from social activities: Losing interest in hobbies or avoiding social interactions. Poor judgment and decision-making: Making uncharacteristic financial or personal choices. Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosing Alzheimer's involves a comprehensive investigation into medical history, with physical and neurological examinations, cognitive tests, and brain imaging. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include medication to temporarily alleviate cognitive decline, changing things in your daily life to help you to remember, stimulation and exercise and making sure your support network is in place. Don't forget the carers: Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be emotionally and physically challenging. If you care for someone It's crucial to prioritize self-care and seek support from healthcare professionals, support groups, and family members. You need to have a support network as a carer as much as the individual living with Alzheimer's. Developing a structured routine, ensuring safety measures, and engaging in stimulating activities can help maintain cognitive function and enhance the overall well-being of individuals with Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's is a complex disease that poses significant challenges for individuals and their families. By understanding its causes, recognizing early warning signs, and accessing appropriate care and support, we can improve the lives of those affected. Our team at Argo understand this and have tailored our services to support families who live with Alzheimer's. Living with Alzheimer's is a team activity and like any team activity we have to make sure that all team members are healthy and well. This is how we provide our advice and support. We will not leave you after we have had an initial conversation. We will be there with you, on your journey, holding your hand throughout whether we are helping you prepare your will, supporting you with a care assessment or just being on the end of the phone if you are having a tough day. Argo is part of your team! Please give us a call on 01622 843729 if you want to see how we can help you further.

Dementia is a widespread condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It not only has a significant impact on individuals who suffer from it but also on their families and loved ones. The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect your family and reduce the risk of dementia. Dementia is a progressive disorder that affects memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform daily activities. It can be emotionally and financially challenging for families, and its impact can be felt for years. By taking preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of negativity of dementia and ensure a better quality of life for your loved one. When your family is diagnosed with dementia you will receive information about dementia. You will learn about the type of dementia you have been diagnosed with, possible causes and common symptoms. Understanding your diagnosis is the first step in developing effective strategies for the future. You will be told about the risk factors of dementia and how you can reduce its impact on your family. You will probably review your lifestyle. Would more physical exercise, a balanced diet, superfoods and brain exercise slow deterioration? Don't forget to socialise. This is more important than anything. You may think about boosting your brain! Puzzles, games, learning new skills and keeping your brain young and active might help to slow progression. Supporting the carers is key to a successful dementia plan. Without your carers daily life may become very challenging. You cannot afford for your main carer, usually your husband or wife, to become unwell. And last, but not least, you must access professional advice and support. The expertise and insights you can receive from professionals, whether they be doctors, researchers or the Argo team will make sure you and your family have a much smoother dementia journey. The whole Argo team are passionate about empowering families to take control of their dementia road map. With years of experience in advising families on practical steps and support we can make a difference. Our clients frequently say they wished they had known about us sooner! It is not just what we do but how we do it. We hold your hand through your dementia journey from diagnosis to end of life and beyond. We make sure your legacy of family protection and memories are left behind when you are no longer here. We support the whole family as dementia affects us all. If you don't know where to start have a look at our Dementia Protection Plan for a place to start and then take advantage of our fifteen minute first aid call to see how we can support you and your family through dementia. https://www.argolifeandlegacy.co.uk/additional-services

WINTER PRECAUTIONS Now we are heading into winter, we want to remind you of some essential precautions that can be taken to protect properties from the results of freezing weather. We are keen to prevent damage costs property owners, executor, attorneys and trustees and would be grateful if you could please take the time to read the guidance as it may be beneficial to you. In particular over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, many of us will wish to go away and visit relatives and friends. We would ask you to observe some simple precautions if you intend to be away from the property for longer than 24 hours during the winter period. HEATING If you are going away during the winter months please ensure that the heating is set on low and on a timer in order to prevent any frozen pipes. It is recommended that you have the heating coming on daily between 11am and 1pm and 11 pm and 1am at a temperature of 16/17 degrees Celsius. If you are away for a considerable time, we would advise that you ask a friend or neighbour to pop in to ensure all is well. If you are an attorney, executor or trustee please make sure that your heating is switched on in line with this advice or alternatively switched off, if you have drained the system. PREVENTING BURST PIPES If a pipe bursts and water comes through the ceiling, there can be serious damage to your properties and contents. Burst pipes and leaks can be complicated to fix, repair work may involve considerable disruption. You can avoid this kind of damage by preventing burst pipes and leaks in the first place. As frozen pipes often burst, winter care is crucial. Please follow this care advice: · If you are away for a while, arrange for someone to check on the property to make sure pipes haven’t burst or frozen. · Make sure you know where the stop tap is and check regularly that it can be turned off easily in an emergency. · In cold weather the heating will need to be kept on low, or set to come on a couple of times a day, especially if you’re going away. It is recommended that you have the heating coming on between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. The most economical way to keep your home heated during these times is to keep the heating on low over 24 hours which stops the extra cost of re-heating a cold home. It is recommended that you maintain a minimum temperature of 16/17 degrees Celsius. · Ask for dripping taps to be repaired because if they freeze they’ll block the pipe. This can also save up to a litre of water a day and your money if it is a hot tap. · Open the loft trap door if the weather is exceptionally freezing to let heat in. If you are an attorney, executor or trustee please consider whether the better option would be to drain the water and heating system so there is no risk of leak. What to do if you get a burst pipe If you have a burst pipe, the first step to take is to turn your water supply off. This should be done by turning off the main stop tap which is normally situated under the kitchen sink or where the service pipe enters the property. The system will then need to be drained to prevent any further water damage to the property. You can do this by turning on all the cold water taps. Switch off the central heating, immersion heater and any other water heating systems. Once shut down, turn on the hot taps to help drain the system. If you think that water has leaked near to electrical wiring or appliances, switch off the mains immediately, do not touch any wet electrics. Frozen Pipe Emergency A frozen pipe should also be treated as a serious matter as it is likely to burst and cause a leak. The following information is advice on what to do should you discover a frozen pipe. · Turn the water off immediately, using the main stop tap (under the kitchen sink or where the service pipe enters the building). If there is a stop tap in your cold water tank, turn this off also (usually found in the attic). · Protect everything around the pipe that appears to be frozen, to avoid damage if it bursts. · Open the tap nearest to the part of the pipe you think is frozen so that the water can flow through when it has melted. Thaw the ice in the pipe with a hot water bottle or hairdryer (taking care to keep it well away from water), starting at the tap end and working back towards the cold water tank. Never use a heat gun or blow torch. If you do get in a pickle or need reliable tradesmen to help prevent problems please let us know!

I held a party the other week and grief came. She wasn’t invited but she came anyway - barged her way in through the door and settled down like she was here to stay. And then she introduced me to the friends she’d brought with her - Anger. Fear. Frustration. Guilt. Hopelessness. And they sang in the loudest voices, took up space in every corner of the room and spoke over anyone else that tried to talk. They made it messy and loud and uncomfortable. But finally, they left. And long afterwards, when I was all alone, I realised there was still someone here. Quietly clearing up after the rest. I asked who she was and she told me, “Love.” And I assumed that’s why she looked familiar - because I had met her before. “Or perhaps,” she said, “it’s because I’ve been here the whole time.” And I was confused then because I hadn’t seen her all evening. But when I looked more closely, when I looked into her eyes, I realised quietly that she had been here. All the time. She’d just been dressed as grief.

For many years there has been a call for will writing to become a regulated activity to ensure that consumer protection laws are followed. The Competition and Markets Authority have now decided to look into will writing, online divorce and pre-paid probate services to investigate whether all is as it seems. The areas of concern for wills and probate which they seem to be targeting are:- will writing - how costs are advertised and rapidly increase from the initial low cost advertised - unfair contact terms - pressure selling and coercion pre paid probate plans - pressure selling, lack of transparency and plans that are set to fail! You all know my position with these subjects. I advise my clients to never purchase a pre paid probate plan. You don't know now if you will need it in the future and you are not certain that your money will be safely looked after so it is there when needed. There are good and bad will writers but it is such a mixed bag you cannot be certain you will get a good one! I would love to advise everyone to only take advice from a regulated legal professional but there are those out there who will not. The best thing the industry can do therefore to protect everyone is to make sure that the same rules apply to those who are regulated or not. This can only benefit the client ultimately. As a Specialist Lawyer in wills and probate I have had to prove to a panel of independent assessors that I have the practical experience and knowledge over my career to advise my clients in my specialist area. You are able to grill your legal adviser in the same way if you are about to instruct them to do work for you. You research other purchases you make in your lifetime so do the the same when you are making your will or are looking at the administration of your estate in future. I really do not enjoy sending my clients bills which are higher than my charges to repair the damage of a badly drafted will and I certainly do not want to find myself in the position in future where I have to charge to administer an estate that someone has already paid for. Let's home the CMA do a good job and come up with some solutions to protect you!

Did you know that couples living together without getting married or entering into a civil partnership has increased from about 1.5 million to 3.6 million in the last twenty five years? Unfortunately, it does not mean the legal system has adapted and modernised to society at the same rate. Being an unmarried couple can put you at a disadvantage to a married couple or civil partners as far as inheritance is concerned. Huge strides have been made to put same sex marriages and civil partnerships on the same ground as mixed sex marriage but this has just not happened with cohabitees and it is unlikely there will be any change soon. So, what do you need to do if you cohabit. If you own a property with your partner make sure you have a cohabitation agreement which details who pays for what and who moves out if your relationship breaks down. Make sure you agree who owns Barnie the cocker spaniel. Do you really want shared custody of your dog, after all they are probably more important to you than your partner! Make sure you have a declaration of trust which records how much you put into the property you bought together. This will ensure you get your contribution back if everything goes wrong. Make a will. If you do not have a will the Rules of Intestacy will kick in. These are provisions, set down in law, which decide who has what on death if you do not have a will. A cohabitee does not receive anything under these provisions. I can hear you shouting at me now saying that all jointly held assets will pass to them as the co-owner. This is correct, but there may be significant assets which are not held in this way. Whatever you do, don't rely on the advice you received in the pub about what you inherit as common law husband and wife because it doesn't make the slightest difference. Many people think that a common law husband and wife is a legal thing. I am sorry to disappoint you but it simply does not exist as far as the law is concerned and it will not matter how many years you have lived together if your partner dies. There is no automatic acquisition of property , pensions, maintenance or other assets. If you are cohabiting with your partner doing nothing is really not an option. It is more important for you that you take steps to secure your interest and to protect not just your position but that of your children. Our team at Argo are experienced in advising cohabiting couples and would love to help you to plan and secure your future. If you are not sure where to start why not take advantage of our 15 minute first aid telephone call so we can talk through your worries and concerns. We can book a time which suits you when you can grab a cup of tea and a note pad!

If you are a deputy appointed by the Court of Protection you should have received a letter or email from the Office of the Public Guardian advising of a change to the surety bond service that is operated. Please do not worry as this change will not affect any existing deputy bonds, only those issued after 1 April 2023. When a person is appointed as a deputy by the Court of Protection, before an order is issued, it is necessary to put in place a surety bond. This is organised by the Office of the Public Guardian. A bond is necessary to protect the assets of the person whose property and affairs the deputy is managing. It is an insurance policy to cover the assets of the individual who is being looked after if things go wrong. The Court of Protection will not issue a deputyship order to the deputy until the bond is put in place. The bond is purely for the protection of the individual whose property and affairs are looked after. It does not protect the deputy. The amount of security is set by the Court according to the size of the individual's estate. If a deputy fails in their duties to manage and protect property and affairs the bond can be called in to reinstate the funds missing as a result of fraud or loss. Insurers do have the right to recover the amount they have paid out, plus their expenses from the deputy, a fact which deputies are not often aware of! The scheme up until now has been delivered by Howden UK Limited who have provided all bond arrangements for the Office of the Public Guardian. This contract ended on 31 March 2023. The Office of the Public Guardian have amended their rules and regulations for the providers of surety bonds which now means that there are three companies who can assist with the provision of bonds.:- Marsh www.arrangebonds.com Howden www.howdendeputybonds.co.uk Insync Insurance Solutions Ltd www.securitybonds.co.uk All companies are full members of the British Insurers Brokers Association or an equivalent association. You can change provider if you wish as long as the Public Guardian is satisfied that the governing requirements for the surety bond scheme have been met. There are many rules and regulations that a deputy has to follow. This is just one of them. If you are a deputy and you are not sure about what is expected of you please give us a call for some friendly advice and support. You can reach us by calling 01622 843729.

Its that time of year again when the Government increase benefits and allowances that are relevant for those receiving care at home or in a care home. When a care calculation is made the local authority have to ensure an individual has a personal allowance. This is a spending pot that they can use for themselves which is not included in care calculations. This is rising from £25.65 to £28.25. The Government also sets a minimum income guarantee that an individual must receive to maintain a standard of living. Your circumstances will determine the amount of income you must receive. This figure is relevant when claiming benefits as your benefit total must ensure you have, at least, this amount to live on. If you are in receipt of care and have savings you are entitled to receive a savings credit in any care calculation that is made on your behalf. All of these amounts have increased from April 2023. It is important that you checked on your benefit update letters that the increase has been considered. It is important if you receive care that the local authority has taken these figures into account and adjusted your contributions. I have put the website link below for you to read. Make sure you check your letters and bills when you next receive one so you know you are getting all you are entitled to! After all, every penny counts! https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-care-charging-for-local-authorities-2023-to-2024/social-care-charging-for-care-and-support-local-authority-circular-lacdhsc20231

Those who know me are aware that I am a Legal Executive and not a solicitor. I am the new breed of lawyer who trains and studies whilst working and qualifies in a different way to a solicitor. My experience and knowledge is from the 20 years I have spent doing this job, not because of a qualification. My exams were harder to do. I studied in my specialist field for longer and had to prove to my regulators I had the skills and experience to do my job and set up my own firm. But, there are still many things that I am not allowed to do. Slowly our professional body is beginning to address some of these problems. I am however delighted to report that legislation to allow Legal Executives to certify lasting powers of attorney has sailed through its latest stage in Parliament this month. The legislation is a private member's bill which means one MP asked the government to look at a change in the law. There are some other amendments that are being made in this piece of legislation to allow lasting powers to be made and registered electronically and to facilitate a new paper process. New safeguards are being introduced to identify the identity of individuals involved in making the lasting power of attorney or named in the form along with changes to the objection process for registration and just allowing the donor to register rather than their attorneys. The changes will also allow a system for the future which registered the lasting power electronically which will be sufficient as evidence of proof of registration along with paper copies. Whilst all of these changes are fantastic the thing that makes me smile about The Powers of Attorney Bill is that it will amend the legislation to allow chartered legal executives to certify a copy power of attorney. This means I can certify your lasting powers of attorney, finally!! It has been somewhat bewildering to know that I can prepare them, register them, object to them, witness them and certificate provide on them but cannot do the bit that does not require any specialist legal skills!

Before 12 January 2023 it was necessary to send a death certificate to the Office of the Public Guardian to notify them of death. This is no longer the case. Whilst we need to write to the OPG to advise them of a death they will now verify the death through the Post Office Life Event Verification system. You will only be asked to send in a death certificate if there has been an issue with verification. You still need to return the original lasting powers, enduring power or deputyship orders for cancellation or amendment.