If you are working

Iris L.

If you are wondering about memory loss and are working, you must be careful. If you are having difficulties and or not performing, you could be fired. See if you can review your last annual employee review for warnings of poor performance. Review with someone you trust. You might consider taking short term disabililty "sick" leave pending completion of your medical and neurological evaluations and testings. This usually can be accomplished with only a doctor's note and may begin immediately. Consult your HR manual or an employment benefits professional.

If you are able to return to work, you might request work accommodations. Review www.askjan.org for suggested work accommodations. Be sure to consult HR or an employment benefits professional.

If it is determined that you have a treatable condition, you may need some time to see if the treatment will be effective. If, however, the diagnosis is more towards one of the dementias, you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and private long term disability benefits if your company offers this as a benefit. SSDI and LT Disability benefits require a large amount of documentation and thus take some time for coverage to begin.

With a diagnosis of dementia, you can request Compassionate Allowance, which will fast-track your application for SSDI. Ask your disability professional or your local Alzheimer's Association chapter about this.

All of the above are suggestions and not legal advice. Consult an appropriate professional!

Iris