Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease: How to Qualify for Social Security Disability

Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic degenerative disease affecting the senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of the brain. The disease is progressive with both mental and physical symptoms. The majority of Alzheimer’s diagnoses occur past the age of 65. However, a small number of people develop early-onset Alzheimer’s. Currently, the only way to diagnose the disease is using neuropsychological testing.

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The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include dementia, memory loss, disorientation, and change in personality and behavior. Early stages of Alzheimer’s can be confused with depression, irritability, apathy, and lack of awareness. People with Alzheimer’s suffer episodes of memory loss and may forget that a lapse in memory had occurred after being told about it. The middle stages are characterized by more severe memory loss, confusion, speech impairment, and difficulty holding a conversation. Later stages of Alzheimer’s include loss of bodily functions and diminished coordination.  Symptoms of late-stage Alzheimer’s may also include aggression, anxiety, and other cognitive deficits. People who have Alzheimer’s may struggle to complete many daily activities such as personal hygiene, preparing meals, and housework.

Social Security recognizes early-onset Alzheimer’s disease on the compassionate allowance list. Compassionate Allowances allow Social Security to target the most obviously disabled individuals for allowances based on objective medical information that can be obtained quickly. As soon as proper medical evidence identifies a condition on the compassionate allowance list the Social Security office will grant that claim.

Premier Disability Services, LLC has extensive experience assisting claimants who have Alzheimer’s obtain Social Security Disability benefits. If you have Alzheimer’s and you are unable to work, please contact our office for a free evaluation.