The federal government recently laid out its plan to combat Alzheimer's disease. The deadly and incurable health condition currently affects more than 5 million Americans. The government's attack plan involves funding treatment and prevention studies and an awareness campaign.

In past weeks, this Metro Washington DC Social Security Disability Law Blog has discussed the role Compassionate Allowances play in disability benefit administration. Compassionate Allowances represent a list of disabilities managed by the Social Security Administration that invariably qualify for benefits. Early-Onset Alzheimer's is on this list.

Together, these developments represent how problematic Alzheimer's has become in in the U.S. While working Americans struck with Early-Onset Alzheimer's qualify for Social Security disability benefits, researchers seek to eliminate its debilitating effects. As part of the government's comprehensive plan, the National Institutes of Health will spend $16 million to see if a "magic bullet" drug can prevent the disease in high-risk individuals.

The proposed magic bullet is an antibody called crenezumab. The drug will reportedly be tested on a large Columbian family with a predisposition to Alzheimer's. A Georgetown University doctor called the trial, along with the rest of the plan, a step in the right direction. At the same time, the Georgetown doctor suggested that there is a serious need for people with Alzheimer's and their families to participate in further research.

As progress towards a cure continues, experienced D.C., Baltimore and Northern Virginia attorneys do recognize the unique needs patients with Alzheimer's disease currently face. More importantly, they recognize how to secure disability benefits for those diagnosed with the health condition. Until Alzheimer's disease becomes a distant memory in the U.S., D.C. residents should understand what the disease entitles them to under Social Security disability insurance.

Source: National Journal, "U.S. Alzheimer's Plan Starts With Two New Studies," Maggie Fox, May 15, 2012