Tag Archives: HR

The Alzheimer’s Association had an interesting blog post recently about the issue of cognitive impairment in the workplace. As the U.S. population ages and older people by financial necessity or personal choice are staying in the workforce longer, we need policies to address this sensitive issue.

While modern workplaces, to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. have evolved over time to better accommodate workers with a variety of physical disabilities and conditions like autism and dyslexia, it seems like similar considerations for those with dementia are a work in progress.

Because dementia is an umbrella term that includes a variety of diseases from Alzheimer’s to frontotemporal dementia (FTD) each with their own unique set of symptoms and behaviors, creating a comprehensive policy will be difficult. The Alzheimer’s Association includes recommendations in their blog post:

• Training: Human resources need to be educated on signs of dementia, which can present symptoms that may be mistaken for conditions like substance abuse or depression.
• Accommodating: From flexible schedules to technology enhancements, employers should consider how to assist workers with dementia so they can remain productive and engaged.
• Support: There will come a time when a person with cognitive decline will progress to the point where they need to retire. Companies should do their best to allow for a dignified exit that leaves the worker feeling some agency in the decision and provide the worker’s family with options for support, such as disability and retirement benefits.

Hopefully with greater awareness, employers in conjunction with medical experts and dementia awareness advocates will create sensible and sensitive policies to address this important issue.

Image created by Microsoft Copilot.