toledoblade.com --

Alzheimer's disease affects some 4 million Americans, and an aging population is expected to push that number to an epidemic 15 million by 2030. Thus, word that Medicare has begun paying for various aspects of medical treatment associated with the brain disorder is very good news indeed.

The federal government's health insurance program for those 65 and older now pays for drug, speech, occupational, and physical therapy for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Until late last year, claims for such treatment were routinely denied by the contractors who review and reimburse for Medicare services.

What changed the policy was pressure from advocacy groups, who presented research evidence indicating that early treatment of symptoms of the disease - memory loss, speech problems, and physical deterioration - can prolong victims' lives and help them put off expensive nursing home care.

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's has been possible for a number of years, but treatment was thought to be fruitless. Medicare's refusal to pay meant that many victims never got help. Advocacy groups, who argued that the policy was discriminatory, finally got through to government officials, and the policy was changed late last year.

Oddly, however, the government did not announce the new policy, apparently so no one had to admit the discrimination. First public word of the change came Sunday in the New York Times. One official described the change merely as "a technical matter for Medicare (insurance) carriers," but it has the potential to be significant in providing for life-enhancing therapies.

Anyone who has dealt with Alzheimer's, as a relative of a victim or as a caregiver, knows well the heartbreak associated with this pernicious form of dementia. The relentless breakdown of the victim's mental acuity and personality, often leading to combative behavior, is difficult to deal with for spouses and children. But treatment can help.

"People with Alzheimer's will be able to live at home longer and avoid institutionalization," said an occupational therapist quoted by the Times. A clinical psychologist said the policy change "breaks down one of the major barriers to providing mental health services to elderly people."

There still is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but the funding of treatment for the various symptoms should help many victims live longer, better lives, while easing the strain on those entrusted with their care.

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