Dementia is an umbrella term or diagnosis for a group of symptoms. Many diseases and conditions can lead to dementia, but the most common cause is Alzheimer’s disease. And although most people develop dementia later in life, dementia is not solely a problem of the elderly. In fact, hundreds of thousands of people under the age of 65 develop early-onset dementia each year. And in its latest stages, dementia is a terminal illness that can have an impact on a person’s ability to work, which means that sufferers of this problem may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. If you or a loved one suffers from dementia and would like to apply for Social Security disability benefits, please review the information below, and contact our experienced and compassionate disability law attorney today for a free consultation.
The symptoms, types, and causes of dementia
Common symptoms of dementia include:
- Loss of memory
- Mental decline
- Disorientation and confusion
- Unsteady gait
- Falls
- Speech problems
When an individual has a type of progressive dementia, he or she may suffer from life-threatening issues, such as:
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Infections
- Pneumonia
- Blood clots
Dementia has several causes, including:
- Infections
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Brain bleeding
- Negative reaction to medication
- Congenital factors
In addition, types of dementia include:
- Vascular
- Lewy body
- Frontotemporal
Applying for Social Security disability benefits for dementia
In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits for dementia, the condition must last at least 12 months or be expected to last 12 months or result in death. In addition, in reviewing an application for benefits, the Social Security Administration will assess the applicant’s ability to perform tasks like:
- Learning
- Recalling information
- Planning for things like simple tasks or events
- Walking
- Interacting
- Making decisions
Anyone with limitations in any of these areas may qualify for disability benefits. However, those who are still able to work despite their limitations may not qualify. Every case is different, though, so it’s important to discuss your specific symptoms and circumstances with a knowledgeable Michigan disability law attorney prior to applying. An experienced disability law attorney will analyze your situation and recommend a course of action that is appropriate considering you and your unique symptoms and circumstances.
Let our Michigan disability law attorneys help you
If you suffer from dementia and are in need of SSD benefits, the skilled disability law attorneys at Disability Law Group are here to help. At Disability Law Group, our compassionate disability law attorneys will assist you with every step of the disability benefits application process, including compiling and submitting documentation. So, if you live in Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County, or elsewhere in Michigan and suffer from dementia, Disability Law Group is on your side. Remember, at Disability Law Group, disability is all we do. Call us today to learn more and for your free consultation.
