Dementia is an unfortunately common disorder which can lead to severe financial and emotional hardship for both the patient and their family. While there are many different classifications and severities of dementia, it most often strikes the elderly and leads to progressively decreasing mental functions which eventually require full time care or even placement in an assisted living facility. As there currently is no cure for dementia, the least you can do when caring for a loved one who is suffering is to apply for the Canadian Disability Tax Credit program to assure they can afford the best care available.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a generic term which refers to a serious decrease in the cognitive functions of a previously unimpaired person. As mentioned above, this disorder is most commonly found in the elderly and undoubtedly qualifies for Canadian Disability Benefits as the disease progresses. However, in addition to this most common manifestation, there are other variations which while less common are nonetheless devastating.

For example, when dementia affects a person under the age of 65, it is referred to as “early onset”. As with dementia in the elderly, early onset dementia may progress rapidly or represent a single decrease in cognitive function and remain there. When the disease stays at one level, it is referred to as “static” or “fixed” in nature. While the former is usually a natural occurrence and the latter most often the result of traumatic brain injury, this is not always the case and any combination of the above may occur in an individual patient.

Symptoms of Dementia

While most commonly thought of as a syndrome with effects a person’s memory, dementia actually affects every part of a person’s cognitive abilities. Memory impairment is included as part of the classical symptoms, but also includes an effected ability to learn or reason, personality changes and even psychosis. While in the earliest stages of dementia, many patients are able to compensate for their disability and often assume it to be simply part of the aging process. However, as the disease progresses, it can actually become dangerous for patients to be on their own as they begin to lose the ability to take care of themselves.

How Canadian Disability Benefits Helps

Given the difficult emotions surrounding a loved one’s loss of independence, the last thing you want to worry about in a time like that is government paperwork and red tape. Canadian Disability Benefits recognizes the difficult and delicate situation that this is and will help you through every step of the process. Additionally, due to the fact that the financial hardships associated with dementia are the reason you’re applying for the Canadian Disability Tax Credit in the first place, we offer the most competitive rates available and never bill you until after you’ve received your benefits.