Dementia and work
Dementia describes a group of symptoms caused by diseases affecting the brain. For someone of working age, a diagnosis that affects cognitive functioning can have a profound impact on employment, particularly where memory, concentration, communication, decision-making or the ability to manage everyday tasks are affected. Depending on the type and progression of dementia, these changes may make it increasingly difficult to perform existing work duties or maintain consistent work capacity.
Dementia is a general term describing symptoms caused by conditions that affect the brain; it is not considered a normal part of ageing. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, though other conditions can also cause it.
Work capacity
Work capacity
This can be especially significant in professional, administrative, managerial, healthcare, financial, driving and safety-sensitive occupations, where memory, judgment and risk management are central to the role.
A potential TPD assessment may consider the diagnosis, cognitive impairment and functional limitations; progression, medical evidence and occupational requirements; education, training, experience and ability to perform previous duties; and prognosis and the relevant policy definition. The progressive nature of dementia can make longitudinal medical evidence, records showing how the condition has changed over time, particularly important. Dementia can also occur in younger people, and when it develops during working age, its effect on employment can be particularly significant, potentially interrupting a person's career and earning capacity. The impact on work should be assessed based on the person's actual circumstances rather than their age alone.
Evidence may include GP records, neurologist or geriatrician reports, cognitive assessments, neuropsychological testing, specialist reports, medication records, and occupational and employment records. Evidence from family members or carers may also help treating professionals understand changes in day-to-day functioning that aren't always visible in a clinical setting. Continuing to work doesn't rule out a claim. Early cognitive decline does not necessarily mean a person immediately stops working; some people reduce their hours or responsibilities before eventually leaving employment. Continuing to work does not automatically determine whether TPD insurance is relevant; the circumstances and policy definition need to be considered. See Can I Claim TPD While Working? →
A diagnosis affecting memory and cognitive functioning can make it difficult to plan for the future, particularly where employment and financial security are involved. Thrive Claims can investigate potentially relevant TPD insurance through your superannuation and help you understand the claims process.
Questions, answered
Straight answers about dementia, work capacity and TPD claims, written in plain English.
Dementia can quietly erode the skills a job depends on, from following instructions to managing time, and when work is no longer sustainable TPD claims may be worth reviewing. Our superannuation claims team can help locate and assess the cover linked to your fund. An income protection claim may also be relevant, and people with more than one account may be able to pursue claims through multiple superannuation funds. The full range of support is set out on our services page.
Dementia has many forms and causes, including vascular changes, disease and, in some cases, earlier head injury. TPD does not depend on how the condition arose; it depends on your cover and your capacity to keep working. Assessments often consider both physical injury or illness and associated mental health injury or illness.
If dementia is part of why you receive the Disability Support Pension or are an NDIS participant, reviewing your super insurance may help. That support alone does not confirm eligibility, but it may have valid basis. Where symptoms followed a head injury in a motor vehicle accident, Thrive Claims can help you and your family work through the options calmly.
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Start with a free assessment of your circumstances and any TPD cover held through superannuation.