As of this morning news from the Alzheimer’s Association (direct quote):
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced today they have added early-onset/younger onset Alzheimer’s to the list of conditions under its Compassionate Allowance Initiative, giving those with the disease expedited access to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Alzheimer’s Association, a longtime advocate for those with early-onset Alzheimer’s, has played an integral role in this movement to reduce the length of disability decision process.
- Today there are an estimated 5.3 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Although the majority of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are age 65 and older, there are as many as 200,000 Americans under age 65 who have early-onset (or younger-onset) Alzheimer’s disease.
- Many with Alzheimer’s disease experience short term memory problems or challenges to other “executive functions” such as reasoning and speech that severely compromise their ability to successfully complete the essential functions of their jobs.
This is wonderful news to individuals suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and is a direct result of advocates at the Alzheimer’s Association and across the nation.
For more information from The Alzheimer’s Association and information about the Social Security Disability qualifications visit:
http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_social_security_disability.asp
