Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just affect memory. It’s a complex progressive condition that can affect almost every part of a person’s life. Alzheimer’s can be difficult to manage—especially without professional support. Your loved one deserves a high quality of life, but learning more about Alzheimer’s disease is key. This helps you make an informed decision regarding their care.
Alzheimer’s is considered a disability, so long as the symptoms affect everyday life. If your loved one is experiencing cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s, they may qualify for additional support benefits to make their condition more manageable.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder. It’s the most common cause of dementia and accounts for roughly 80% of all diagnosed cases. This condition develops due to an abnormal buildup of proteins in the brain that eventually damage brain structures. As Alzheimer’s progresses, it causes more and more damage throughout the brain. This disrupts memory, thinking, and behavior.
Alzheimer’s can be broken down into 2 main sub-types:
- Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common type. This term is used when Alzheimer’s symptoms develop after the age of 65.
- Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which is significantly less common. This term is used when symptoms develop before the age of 65—sometimes as early as the age of 30 or 40.
Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. This condition progresses at different rates depending on unique circumstances. Though symptoms vary from person to person, they often lead to the need for advanced care from a team of professional caregivers.
The Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease isn’t an easy disease. It can develop subtly, and it’s easy to mistake for age-related memory problems. However, early detection is key to preventing worsened symptoms. If you’re concerned about a loved one, watch out for signs such as:
- Memory lapses, like forgetting recently learned information
- Difficulty solving everyday problems
- Confusion about dates or locations
- Noticeable changes in mood or personality
- Trouble completing familiar tasks
- Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps
These signs of Alzheimer’s disease indicate your loved one’s condition is affecting their everyday life. If these sound familiar, it’s time to visit a healthcare provider. A proper diagnosis makes it significantly easier to plan for the future.
Is Alzheimer’s A Disability?
In the USA, a condition has to meet specific criteria to be classified as a disability. If a condition or disease meets these qualifications, it’s protected by several acts, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Social Security (SS).
Typically, a condition must meet these criteria to be considered a disability:
- The condition substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as working, concentrating, learning, or communicating.
- The condition is long-term or expected to last for a significant duration.
- The condition significantly impacts the individual’s ability to perform tasks such as self-care, walking, or interacting with others.
- A person requires accommodations or modifications to participate in everyday activities.
Alzheimer’s disease is often classified as a disability under these standards. However, it depends on your loved one’s cognitive state. If their symptoms impair everyday life, it will likely be recognized as a disability, and your loved one may qualify for additional support and benefits from programs like Social Security.
If your loved one’s symptoms are mild and don’t impair everyday life, their condition may not be classified as a disability. This is why a proper diagnosis is so important—it gives you the information needed going forward.
How To Help A Loved One With Alzheimer’s
If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s time to consider professional care. Fortunately, there’s an incredible way to help—through memory care.
Memory care specializes in giving a safe and supportive environment to those in need. Unlike other types of senior living, memory care caters specifically to seniors living with cognitive decline. It’s a place designed to protect your loved one’s dignity and independence while giving peace of mind.
Memory care offers all kinds of benefits, such as:
- Assistance with daily life
- 24/7 staff supervision
- Memory-enhancing activities and therapies
- A secure environment
- Additional safety features
Meanwhile, the staff undergoes additional training so they’re prepared to deal with the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s. Memory care is an incredible way to help your loved one—it restores purpose, meaning, and dignity to their life.
Is It Time For Memory Care?
Alzheimer’s can be difficult to manage. But you and your family aren’t alone in this. Our RUI team here at Paul Spring is here to help. Through our memory care program, we’re ready to support your loved one every day—just like they deserve. Schedule a visit with our community today to learn more!
