If you are like many Californians, you think Alzheimer’s disease is an affliction only older people face. While Alzheimer’s disease is significantly more common in older adults, younger ones can develop dementia. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, roughly 5% of those with Alzheimer’s disease noticed symptoms before the age of 65.
When Alzheimer’s presents before patients turn 65, doctors call the condition early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Regrettably, your diagnosis may come in your 30s or 40s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s, of course, is likely to interfere with virtually all aspects of your life, including your ability to work.
Social Security Disability Insurance
If you have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits. You may also have an easier time obtaining benefits than many other SSDI applicants do. That is, due to the nature of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, the Social Security Administration often fast tracks SSDI benefits applications for those with the diagnosis.
Your SSDI benefits application
Even though the SSA quickly processes SSDI benefits applications for individuals with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, you still must present extensive evidence to support your diagnosis. This evidence may include the following:
- The contact information for all your doctors
- An official report of your early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis
- Your dementia rating
- A list of the medications you currently take
- Your medical records
- The results of neurological tests and other assessments
- Activities of daily living report
This list is not comprehensive, of course, as your complete SSDI benefits application should also include details about your work impairment. Ultimately, though, by exhaustively documenting your early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, you are likely to improve your chances of receiving the SSDI benefits you deserve.
