The National MS Society has a great on presentation on dealing with cognitive deficits, that is, difficulties with thinking, remembering and concentrating, in the work place. The presentation is geared to MS, but would also apply to any degenerative cognitive disease, such as Alzheimer's disease, fronto-temporal lobe disorders, Parkinson's, and side effects of opiods and other medications taken for chronic pain.
Cognitive deficits from degenerative diseases can present difficulties with long term disability benefit claims. In the early stages, someone may look physically healthy, but have started to suffer cognitive problems. Your boss may doubt that you are disabled if he sees you working out at the gym after you requested a reduced work schedule due to cognitive issues resulting from fatigue. To address the potential doubts, make sure you tell your doctors about the difficulties you are having with cognitive issues. You consider getting a neuropsychological exam to provide a baseline for neurological function so you can prove that your cognitive difficulties have in fact declined.
No comments:
Post a Comment