DEMENTIA, DEMENTIA SERVICES, AND HOW CAN YOU GET HELP?

Dementia is an overall term used to describe symptoms that impact memory, performance of daily activities, and communication ability. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. Dementia affects over 6 million Americans. The Social Security Administration does consider the diagnosis of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s to be a compassionate allowance. The Compassionate Allowance program allows those with certain severe conditions whose disability obviously meets disability standards to quickly navigate the disability process.

Social Security evaluates dementia under Listing 12.02 for Neurocognitive disorders. This listing requires medical documentation of a significant cognitive decline from a prior level of functioning in one or more of the cognitive areas:

1. 1. Complex attention;
   2. Executive function;
   3. Learning and memory;
   4. Language;
   5. Perceptual-motor; or
   6. Social cognition.

AND

1. Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning:
   1. Understand, remember, or apply information.
   2. Interact with others.
   3. Concentrate, persist, or maintain pace.
   4. Adapt or manage oneself.

I recently worked with a local organization, Gulf Coast Dementia Services, as part of fundraiser to benefit the needs of those affected by dementia here in Mobile and the surrounding areas. Gardberg and Kemmerly proudly supported the GONG Show of Mobile to help GONG Dementia. Gulf Coast Dementia Services provides comprehensive education, training and support for individuals and family members with various types of dementia. If you missed this amazing event and wish to donate, Gulf Coast Dementia Services is a 501 c3 (number 46-1141253) and your donations are tax deductible. You can donate securely online or you can contact them at 3263 Demetropolis Rd., Suite 9B, Mobile, AL 36693, 251-421-4888 or 251-648-0325. This is the same contact information if you need assistance with dementia services or know someone who does.

If you are thinking about applying for benefits related to dementia or any other disabling conditions, we here at Gardberg and Kemmerly can assist you in getting a claim processed and filed. If you have already have a claim for disability and need assistance, please call our office at 251-343-1111 for a free consultation on your VA and/or SSA claim. Gardberg & Kemmerly specializes in helping the injured and disabled in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana.