Alzheimer’s & Influenza

Most of us are pretty comfortable receiving the flu vaccine.

It saves lives and it’s been around forever.

Here’s even better news:  An annual flu vaccine may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

According to a study recently published in The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, individuals who were vaccinated yearly over an extended period had up to a 40% reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Previous studies had suggested that flu vaccines might reduce the risk of dementia.  Based on those previous studies, a research team from The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, began to investigate the link between the flu vaccine and the risk of dementia, specifically, Alzheimer’s disease.

More research is being called for and it may be too early to count on your flu vaccine to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.  Still, this is promising news.

Now I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, but I find this to be incredibly good news.  If the flu vaccine can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, I’m in for the long term.

As Medicare Insurance Broker, I’m frequently asked if Medicare pays for long term care.

The answer is no.  Medicare pays a portion of hospital and medical costs but…

It does not pay for non skilled, non medical care. It does not pay for Long Term Care.

This is the care people need when they are unable to perform the activities of daily living:

  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Toileting
  • Transferring
  • Continence

This type of care, at home or in a facility, can cost thousands and thousand of dollars monthly and be devastating to a family.

Long Term Care Insurance is an important tool to protect a family from financial ruin.

But in the meantime, consider getting your annual flu vaccination.  It may just help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Questions about Medicare Insurance?  Book a time on my calendar.