What to know about Alzheimer's and long-term disability benefits

A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is life changing.  Alzheimer's is a neurological condition where memory and cognitive function are impaired, as the brain begins to degenerate over time.  It can cause a steady deterioration in cognitive capacities that impairs one's ability to think clearly, interact with others, and respond appropriately. 

Six million people in the United States are diagnosed with Alzheimer's yearly, with the majority over the age of 65.  However, individuals with early-onset Alzheimer's, can begin seeing signs as early as their 30’s. Any form of Alzheimer’s can make it increasingly difficult to carry out basic tasks, including those of maintaining a job.  If your insurance policy includes long-term disability (LTD) benefits, you may be eligible to apply for them.

If you have been denied LTD benefits after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, our long-term disability attorney will review your denial letter free of charge and provide guidance on what to do next. If you are eligible for long-term disability benefits and seeking to apply, we can review your policy and other documents and guide you through the application process for a flat fee. Either way, call our office today at 816-203-0143 or contact us through our website email or chat.  We’re here to help and on your side.

Why Alzheimer's Disease Leads to Long-Term Disability

Alzheimer’s is a condition that affects the neurological processing in the brain related to memory, behavior, and sometimes speech.  It can be a genetic condition or be from outside factors including traumatic brain injuries, and general lifestyle.  These lifestyle choices may include drinking, smoking, lack of proper diet and exercise, or poor sleep habits.  Due to its progressive nature, knowing how Alzheimer’s can affect a person’s life will benefit all involved in understanding how it may also influence the future.  This can include family, as well as caretakers.

When a person has Alzheimer's disease, the brain's nerve cells degenerate more quickly than they can regenerate. As a result, they will increasingly need more support managing daily duties because of the varying range of symptoms that can emerge.  This condition can cause symptoms such as forgetting recent events, not recalling new memories, becoming perplexed by normal tasks that were previously not difficult, personality changes, mood fluctuations, and more.  These symptoms can prevent one from working and result in the need for long-term disability benefits.

Alzheimer’s Symptoms Resulting in Long-Term Disability

Memory loss is the number one symptom associated with Alzheimer’s.  Difficulties with short-term memory may be among the early symptoms, yet as the illness progresses, it may begin to cause past memories and normal abilities to fade as well.  This can result in changes in mood, personality, and appearance (diminished grooming or dressing oneself).

Additional symptoms include:

• Memory loss of personal details (names and faces of family members, friends, or familiar places)
• Behavioral or mood changes (depression, irritability, delusions)
• Balance or coordination issues
• Repetition of sentences or questions
• Inability to drive due to getting lost
• Difficulty speaking and participating in conversations
• Multitasking challenges and concentration issues
• Unable to carry out daily routine tasks
• Having lost the ability to perform previously acquired tasks, such as reading, writing, or cooking

Alzheimer's Diagnosis & Treatment

Your doctor will perform a physical exam, gather information, and run various tests prior to referring you to a neurologist for an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.  Neurological testing will include CT scans, brain imaging, MRI’s, and other testing as required.  If a diagnosis is determined, the neurologist will provide different treatment options, lifestyle changes, and the next steps in navigating the future.

Although Alzheimer's cannot be cured, there are medications that help lessen symptoms or minimize the disease's progression.  There is a chemical ‘messenger’ in the brain that is frequently harmed and reduced in Alzheimer’s patients.  Medications are available that can essentially protect this messenger by improving cell connection.  On occasion, in conjunction with these medications, antidepressants are used to promote the chemical activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Naturally engaging the brain will also be part of an Alzheimer patient’s daily regime.  These include various activities that range from physical exercise to mentally-engaging games or activities, like puzzles, crafting, arts, and gardening.

Alzheimer's is most commonly diagnosed in adults over the age of 65 or into retirement years. If you or a loved one are unable to work due to Alzheimer’s and would like to apply for long-term disability, contact our long-term disability attorney at 816-203-0143.  Our attorney can carefully review your policy and answer your questions for a flat fee during a personalized strategy session.  

How Will Long-Term Disability Benefits Help You?

Long-term disability benefits give individuals and their families the financial means needed to maintain a normal lifestyle, after the loss of income due to not being able to return to work.  These benefits are often paid either as monthly insurance payments or as a single lump sum. 

However, we strongly advise our clients not to become complacent with receiving their benefits, as insurance companies have cost-reducing tactics and routinely deny claims, generally after two years.  This is where having our long-term disability attorney on your side to protect your interests is beneficial.

Denied LTD Benefits After Diagnosed with Alzheimer's?

If you or a loved one suffers from Alzheimer's disease and were denied long-term disability, our attorney can help. After reviewing your denial letter, our attorney will provide you with a strategy to move forward.  If you hire our LTD attorney to handle your appeal of a denial, we will assist with gathering all supportive documents and submitting a comprehensive appeal to get the benefits you deserve. Once the appeal is filed, the law governing most LTD claims, ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), prohibits you from being able to supplement any further documentation, so it is critical to ensure all the necessary documents are filed correctly.

Our LTD attorney is experienced with the special rules contained in ERISA.  We’ll walk you through the process and guide you in collecting the required documentation.  This type of evidence must objectively demonstrate how your disability prevents you from being able to work.  This is what our firm does best, and our results reflect it. 

Our Long-Term Disability Attorney Can Help

If you or a loved one is experiencing Alzheimer’s symptoms and you’re finding daily life or work challenging, we’re here to help.  Our long-term disability attorney is experienced in ERISA and long-term disability claims and appeals. We can assist you every step of the way. We recognize this may be an overwhelming process for you, but you can feel confident putting your trust in us.  We’re here to help.

If you have been denied LTD benefits, our long-term disability attorney will review your denial letter free of charge. Call our office today at 816-203-0143 or contact us through our website email or chat.  You can also instantly download our free book on long-term disability appeals.  We’re on your side!