Summitt steps down less than a year after Alzheimer's diagnosis

Pat Summitt, 59, the celebrated coach of the University of Tennessee women's basketball team, resigned her post this week, less than a year after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's Disease tends to progress more quickly in younger patients than in older ones. Summitt is one of the 5% of Americans with Alzheimer's Disease diagnosed with the devastating disease before age 65.

My guess is that Summitt has already put her vital legal plans in place. If not, she needs to do so without delay, while she is competent to do so. Summitt has a son, Tyler, with her ex-husband, and she will certainly want to provide for him under her estate plan.  She also needs a Durable Power of Attorney to allow someone to manage her financial affairs, and advance health care directives such as a Health Care Power of Attorney authorizing someone to make her medical decisions for her. A Living Will may be another good idea. We wish Summitt all the best in her journey.

One place her journey has taken her is to the Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum in Washington, to receive the Sargent and Eunice Shriver "Profiles in Dignity Award" from Maria Shiver, California's former first lady. Summitt is a class act, on and off the court.

If you or a loved one are facing the challenge of Alzheimer's Disease, call our Florida Elder Law Offices at 800-893-9911 to schedule an appointment for our Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens or Port St. Lucie locations. We will help you set up a legal plan that will protect you, your assets and your family. 

Also consider joining The Karp Law Firm in the fight against Alzheimer's Disease. We'll be participating in the Alzheimer's Association's "Memory Walks" scheduled for Oct. 20 in Palm Beach and Nov. 3 in Port St. Lucie. For more information, click here.