By Susan Oderwald
Senior Life
Susan Oderwald
Alzheimer’s is a fatal, degenerative disease that we generally think of afflicting older adults. It is true that our risk for Alzheimer’s increases dramatically as we pass age 65.
According to the National Institute on Aging, “Most people with Alzheimer’s develop the disease when they are 65 or older, with less than 10 percent of cases occurring before then.”
That said, as our large baby boomer population is both aging and working well into their 60s and 70s, we are finding more workplace issues around employees with dementia. Companies, employees and human resource departments are not generally equipped to recognize and support employees who start exhibiting early symptoms of dementia.
Because this disease is stigmatized, especially for younger adults in a workplace setting, it is rare that employees noticing early changes to their cognition will talk about it openly with their employer. These changes can lead to overall performance deficits, as well as affecting the person’s ability to work with others.
For most employees experiencing early symptoms, no disease process is associated with declining performance or personality changes, and instead employees are demoted or fired. If a mental health issue is suspected, it is most often thought that depression, stress or addiction is the culprit, and early onset Alzheimer’s is overlooked.
Because Alzheimer’s is a disease, employees should be eligible for the full support of their health, disability and retirement benefits, just as if the employee had a cancer, Parkinson’s or another degenerative diagnosis.
The Alzheimer’s Association has recently issued recommendations for dementia in the workplace, which include providing training and raising awareness among human resources personnel, encouraging employees to seek out medical advice for early diagnosis and treatment, and considering accommodations. Such accommodation could include things like simplifying or modifying employee roles and responsibilities, offering flexible hours, using reminder technologies or providing additional supervision.
While there are a few new medications available for Alzheimer’s, there is no cure for a disease that affects so many people. Early diagnosis is critical to maximize treatment options and outcomes. If you, a loved one or a coworker suspect they may be experiencing cognitive changes, talk with a doctor. For more information, go to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
Susan Oderwald is care director at the Always Best Care Senior Services Milford Office. She can be reached at Soderwald@abc-seniors.com or 203-877-1377.