Frontotemporal Lobe Dementia (FTD, Pick’s Disease Type A -­Adult) and Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Lawyer

Typically, applying for and receiving social security disability benefits can take many months.  But what if your disabling condition is so severe that you cannot wait? Frontotemporal lobe dementia (FTD, Pick’s disease Type A-Adult) is a disabling condition on the Compassionate Allowance List, which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.

What is FTD (Pick’s Disease Type A-Adult)?

FTD, also called Pick’s disease, is a degenerative condition in which the frontal and temporal anterior lobes of the brain shrink and deteriorate due to a buildup of tau proteins (cell-­‐stabilizing proteins) in the nerve cells. The frontal and temporal lobes are the areas of the brain responsible for a number of critical functions including language, behavior, skills, concentration, and decision‐making, so as the disease progresses, affected individuals experience a decline in these functions. There are several types of FTD. The first type is associated with problematic changes in behavior, eventually leading to correspondingly severe dementia. The disease, which is sometimes misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s, usually presents before the age of 60.

FTD, Pick’s Disease Type A-Adult Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of FTD, Pick’s disease Type A-­Adult include:

• Extreme restlessness
• Apathy and/or withdrawal from daily life
• Abrupt mood changes
• Uncharacteristic rudeness, impatience, or aggression
• Lack of concentration
• Decline in function at work and at home
• Decline in personal hygiene
• Repetitive or obsessive behavior
• Muscle rigidity
• Poor coordination
• General weakness
• Memory loss
• Urinary incontinence

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to talk with a doctor immediately.