Noteboom The Law Firm

Surgery as an Option for Patients with Dementia?

Dementia, often associated with age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, can be quite debilitating and prevent an individual from being able to continue working, particularly if they experience early-onset dementia. Social Security disability benefits may be available to help offset lost income when someone with dementia is unable to work.

According to new research presented in the American Journal of Neurosurgery, an operation involving a shunt may help some patients with dementia. The study included 14 patients, with half of them receiving a non-functioning shunt and the other half a shunt that functions. The patients' progress was tracked for 3 ½ years. The findings showed that those with a fully functioning shunt experienced great improvements in key areas such as walking and mental functioning.

Those who had received a non-operational shunt showed improvement only after the shunt was made functional. Shunts are often used to treat hydrocephalus, a condition where fluid collects in the cavities of the brain. The shunt allows this fluid to drain.

Researchers hope that these results will indicate an ability to help improve memory and walking in individuals who suffer from other types of conditions, such as dementia.

Further research will be conducted to determine which patients would be good candidates for a shunt operation and what type of shunt should be used.

If you have been diagnosed with dementia or any other severe mental or physical condition that has caused you to become disabled, a Social Security disability attorney can advise you of eligibility for Social Security disability benefits.

When you are interviewing Social Security Disability attorneys ask critical questions, like: how many Social Security Disability hearings do you have per month; do you understand the SSA's POMS (the manual Social Security employees use to process claims); and, do you understand the date last insured and how it affects my disability onset date?

The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your case. Contact us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.