Dementia is a broad term that encompasses a wide group of symptoms. There are several conditions and diseases that can lead to dementia, with the most common being Alzheimer’s disease. Although most dementia sufferers develop it later in life, it does not solely affect the elderly. Hundreds of thousands of individuals under 65 years old develop early-onset dementia every year. In the late stages of dementia, it is a terminal illness that can impact a person’s ability to hold employment, meaning that some people with dementia may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Below is some information on applying for Social Security disability benefits for dementia. For additional information or assistance, please contact a Texas SSDI and SSI attorney.
Common Symptoms of Dementia
Dementia has many symptoms, including:
- Memory loss,
- Cognitive decline,
- Confusion,
- Disorientation,
- Speech issues,
- Unsteady gait, and
- Falls.
Dangers of Dementia
When an individual suffers from dementia, he or she may develop life-threatening problems, such as:
- Trouble swallowing,
- Trouble breathing,
- Pneumonia,
- Infections, and
- Blood clots.
Common Causes of Dementia
Dementia can be caused by many issues, including:
- Nutritional deficiencies,
- Infections,
- Brain bleeding, and
- Poor reaction to medication.
Types of Dementia
Types of dementia include:
- Lewy body,
- Vascular, and
- Frontotemporal.
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits for Dementia
In order to be eligible for SSDI or SSI for dementia, an applicant’s condition must have lasted at least one year or be expected to last one year or result in death. In addition, when the Social Security Administration reviews an application for Social Security disability benefits, it will assess the applicant’s ability to perform tasks like:
- Recalling information,
- Planning,
- Walking,
- Making decisions,
- Learning, and
- Interacting.
Anyone who has severe limitations in any of the above areas may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. However, those who suffer from dementia but are still able to work may not be able to qualify for benefits. If you suffer from dementia and would like to explore your options for Social Security disability benefits, you should contact an experienced Texas SSDI and SSI attorney for assistance.
Contact Our El Paso SSDI and SSI Attorney
The inability to earn a living due to the effects of dementia can be devastating. Therefore, if you suffer from dementia and would like to apply for SSDI or SSI, you should contact a Texas SSDI and SSI attorney as soon as possible for assistance. When you hire attorney Jon Sipes to represent you in your Social Security disability benefits case, you can rest assured that he will utilize his extensive legal experience and knowledge to help you obtain the benefits you deserve. Jon Snipes regularly helps clients obtain Social Security disability benefits in El Paso and surrounding Texas communities, and he understands what it takes to qualify under the SSDI and SSI programs. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation.