Thomas Stewart is both a Social Security Disability lawyer and a licensed physician assistant focused on progressive neurological disease. Early-onset Alzheimer’s — diagnosed before age 65 — can end a career years before retirement, and we know how to turn its symptoms into the specific work limitations Social Security has to credit.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s is a Social Security “Compassionate Allowance” condition — meaning SSA fast-tracks these claims for an expedited decision. Getting the diagnosis and medical evidence in front of SSA the right way is what makes that process work.
The symptoms that decide a claim — and what they mean for work
An Alzheimer’s claim turns on connecting your symptoms to the concrete reasons you can no longer hold a full-time job:
- Short-term memory loss → can’t learn or retain tasks. Forgetting instructions and steps makes reliable work impossible.
- Executive dysfunction → limited to simple work, and off task. Trouble planning, organizing, and problem-solving restricts you to simple, routine tasks and pulls you off task.
- Language and word-finding problems → can’t communicate reliably with coworkers, supervisors, or customers.
- Disorientation and getting lost → safety and reliability concerns that rule out most workplaces.
- Mood and behavior changes → can’t sustain workplace interaction.
How Social Security evaluates Alzheimer’s
Two paths, often together: the Compassionate Allowance program expedites early-onset Alzheimer’s claims; and SSA reviews the condition under listing 12.02 (neurocognitive disorders), which looks for significant cognitive decline plus marked or extreme limits in areas of mental functioning. See how Social Security disability decisions work →
What wins an Alzheimer’s claim
Neuropsychological testing is central, along with documentation of decline over time and how it affects daily function. Because Thomas is a physician assistant, he knows what Social Security needs to see, works with your neurologist to get it into the record, and invokes the Compassionate Allowance where it applies.
Talk with an Alzheimer’s disability lawyer
No fee unless you win — 25% of past-due benefits, capped at $9,200. We represent clients nationwide, including private long-term disability (ERISA) claims managed alongside SSDI. Start your free case review → or call (720) 301-9708.
