Alzheimer’s diagnoses are common among individuals in their 80s and 90s. This debilitating condition may lead to memory loss, anxiety, confusion and even mood changes. Regrettably, older Americans are not the only ones who are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Younger-onset Alzheimer’s occurs when individuals develop the condition before the age of 65. According to the Mayo Clinic, this happens in roughly 5% of Alzheimer’s patients. Unfortunately, if you have younger-onset Alzheimer’s, you may not be able to continue to work.
Initial symptoms of younger-onset Alzheimer’s
If you have advanced Altzheimers, your condition may be readily apparent to you or your loved ones. Still, in the early stages, younger-onset Alzheimer’s can be difficult to identify. Here are some symptoms that commonly appear initially:
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Requiring more time to complete ordinary tasks
- Experiencing memory loss
- Struggling to manage finances
- Developing abnormal anxiety or depression
It is not possible to self-diagnose younger-onset Alzheimer’s. Consequently, if you believe you may be experiencing the early stages of it, it is critical for you to seek a professional diagnosis.
Work impairments that stem from younger-onset Alzheimer’s
All jobs require some brainpower. If you have younger-onset Alzheimer’s, you simply may not remember how to complete your job duties. You may also need to attend medical appointments and therapy sessions that take you away from the workplace. Sadly, because there is currently no cure for younger-onset Alzheimer’s, your symptoms are likely to worsen over time.
The Social Security Administration has added younger-onset Alzheimer’s to its Compassionate Allowance List. Ultimately, if you have enough work credits, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for your younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
