Early onset Alzheimer's

So sorry you have to be here. If your question is trying to get Social Security Disability Insurance, then yes, you'll need to have a doctor's diagnosis regardless of the ailment, but the disability needs to be substantiated. If your wife is diagnosed with Early Onset dementia, then the approval process will be expedited through Social Security's Compassionate Allowance program. And seek advice/counsel from a CELA, now, to get your finances in order and how to get aid down the road while securing some of your assets, plus having a DPOA is crucial if you don't have one already. Many of us have been where you are. While it's a scary place to be, we are here to help and support each other. Others with more experience may chime in. Good luck! Breathe.

Others here have answers to your specific question. I just wanted to reach out and tell you I have been lurking here for months. I finally posted and I am starting to feel less alone. Kudos to you for reaching out for practical answers and support!

In preparation for the December visit, make a list of all the "signs" you are seeing that there is an issue. If her employment history points to cognitive issues, include that. The more information you give the doctor the better.

A PET scan is a test which can show abnormal brain function. It can also determine if there are other possible issues...such as stroke, tumor which can cause mental impairment. It is often used to "rule out" things and help determine which of the brain functions may be impacted.

Mark: one thing that may help is to put a lot of your observations in writing for the neurologist, and give them to the office when you check in. You can alert them that your wife may be upset by the discussion- they will have dealt with this before, and a heads up from you may be able to alleviate some of her discomfort. You can also ask to speak to the neurologist in private; can't hurt to ask.

Hope it's helpful and do keep us posted.

Mlandis, I am so sorry for your situation. My husband was dx at age 49, but lots of weird behavior before that. He passed at 55 in 2003. I documented everything and kept a binder that had insurance, doctors, SS and anything that I needed to know and remember. I took it to all appts. We went to an elder attorney and got our will in order. My husband was in good health and a walker. One night he walked 20 miles, and another time 8. He was arrested once, and had to go to trial, but he also got a job at Safeway. He did not keep it long. Early Onset is what we called it then, and my saving grace was a forum such as this. In 2017 my new partner who is 12 years older than me was diagnosed with MCI, and so I'm on the journey again. He now has dx of Late Onset ALZ. The saying, once you have seen one ALZ patient, you have seen one ALZ patient is true. But you will find all kinds of good advice and support on these pages.

This is my first post on this forum as I am looking for the support as well. All the best to you and your wife.

My husband was diagnosed with early onset at age 59. His first symptoms impacted him significantly at work too. Passed away this year at 70.

Familial Early Onset Alzheimers falls under the "compassionate" diagnoses for Social Security Disability. Please go ahead and apply, but you will need a diagnosis. She will automatically qualify with a confirmed diagnosis of early onset disease. My husbands SS disability moved quite quickly. Be sure you have an elder law attorney to assist as well. Ours was invaluable at structuring wills, POA, etc.

My heart goes out to you as you embark on this path. It is not easy and can certainly financially, emotionally and physically wipe you out. I would also check to see if she has any short or long term disability from any of her previous employers. Between those two income sources, we stayed afloat. Again, my journey ended, but I still feel such compassion for those of you entering the nightmare. My heart goes out to you.