What to know about memory loss and disability benefits
Published on July 30th, 2018 by Eric Slepian
Memory loss is an incredibly troubling condition, not just for the people who suffer from it, but also for their loved ones. Whether it is the result of an isolated accident or a degenerative disease, memory loss can make it increasingly difficult for people to perform their usual functions and care for themselves.
Below, we will discuss the types of conditions that can lead to serious memory loss and what sufferers and their families can do to make the road ahead a little easier to navigate.
Medical conditions that can cause memory problems
Conditions that are often characterized by memory loss include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Various types of dementia
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Huntington’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Depression
- Nutritional deficiencies
As this article from the National Institute on Aging notes, some of these conditions can lead to permanent memory loss; others are temporary and patients may recover from memory problems when they receive effective treatment for the underlying condition.
Effects of memory loss on sufferers
Regardless of the cause, memory loss can have a devastating impact. People with memory loss may not be able to follow directions well or navigate familiar places. They can struggle with periods of serious confusion. Some even forget where they are, when they last ate or how to communicate.
These symptoms can make it impossible for a person to live alone or participate in substantial gainful activity.
Getting help
People with memory loss or worsening memory problems and their loved ones may want to discuss pursuing disability benefits as soon as possible. Often, this is after a doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment.
If the condition is expected to last at least a year and the memory loss is – or is expected to be – serious, talking to an attorney right away about pursuing financial benefits like Social Security Disability can be essential. Not only can legal guidance help people understand their options, it can also help them stay ahead of the process and maximize the benefits they may receive.
