Alzheimer's Disease In the Workplace

Alzheimer's disease can affect your life in many ways. Over time, it impacts your memory, your ability to process information, your independence, and even your personality. There is no question that Alzheimer's disease is truly devastating. If you are still in the workplace, however, dealing with Alzheimer's can be even more of a challenge. The good news? Alzheimer's disease doesn't necessarily have to stop your life or your career.
Alzheimer's disease in the workplace is not unheard of. This disease most commonly affects people over the age of 65, but early onset Alzheimer's does exist. Early onset Alzheimer's disease can begin at any age, but is often found in people who are in their 40s and 50s - affecting those who still hold jobs. Some of the early symptoms of this disease can include forgetfulness, confusion, short-term memory loss, and even poor judgement. All of these symptoms can seriously impact job performance. When every day tasks start to become more difficult, or when symptoms begin to occur more frequently, it can impact the ability to work effectively.
Do you find that you're forgetting client information in the middle of an important meeting? Have you gotten lost on the way to the office? Did you forget about a project deadline? All of these things impact your job. Alzheimer's disease and early onset Alzheimer's can detract from the work you've done. This makes it incredibly difficult to perform your job to your best ability. While having this disease is entirely out of your control, it can still be problematic. You rely on your job to get by, so what can be done about Alzheimer's disease in the workplace?
The most important thing to do if you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease? Speak to your boss. It may be difficult, but it is the best way. Rather than be fired down the road for forgetting important meetings or information, get everything out in the open before it becomes a problem. Most employers will be sympathetic and understanding of your situation. Once you notice that your symptoms are beginning to affect the quality of work that you are doing, schedule a meeting with your boss.
Your employer can help. They may be able to find ways for you to continue to do your job or find you another position within the company. Perhaps they will choose to give you an assistant to help keep track of your appointments, or simply give you reminders here and there as needed. Whatever the case, an employer will typically do their best to work around the disease - and any of the related symptoms. It all depends on the workplace, what your job entails, and of course, the severity of your symptoms. Talking to your boss about having Alzheimer's disease is certainly not an easy thing to do. However, being upfront can save you an awful lot of stress in the long run.
Dealing with Alzheimer's disease in the workplace can be difficult. By being open and honest about your diagnosis, you can find ways to collaborate with others, rely on your teammates, work around the symptoms, and most importantly - continue working.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and Memory Loss patients. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.