Early-onset Alzheimer's is a form of the disease diagnosed in people younger than the traditional retirement age of 65. Such a diagnosis can pose serious financial challenges, especially if you're the main wage earner of your family and your health insurance is provided through your job.

"We usually recommend disclosing the diagnosis to people you interact with on a daily basis," says Glenn Smith, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. "Depending on your job situation, you may be able to work with your employer to create a plan to modify your work schedule and responsibilities as needed."

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers with more than 15 people on staff to make "reasonable" accommodations for employees diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Eventually, your Alzheimer's symptoms will progress to the point that you can no longer work. Investigate your options for early retirement. Your employer may include disability provisions in pensions and insurance plans.

The first thing to do is discuss your immediate and future financial needs with someone you trust. Choose someone who has a history of making wise financial decisions. You may even want to hire a professional financial advisor. Some social service agencies offer these services at reduced rates for people with low incomes.

This helper needs to know all about your financial and legal affairs. One of the first tasks is to get all your important documents together.

• Wills
• Medical and durable power of attorney
• Insurance policies
• Stock and bond certificates
• Pension and other retirement benefit summaries
• Tax returns for the past few years
• Bank account statements
• Outstanding loans
• Monthly bills

Because Alzheimer's disease is eventually a disabling illness, you may qualify for disability assistance from some government programs.

• Social Security Administration. Two special programs administered by the Social Security Administration may be of help to you. Both require documentation from your doctor that you are unable to work.

  Social Security disability benefits are available to former wage earners under the age of 65 who are no longer able to work because of a disability. To be considered disabled for purposes of Social Security disability benefits, you must be unable both to do work that you did previously and to adjust to different work because of your medical condition.

  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides a minimum monthly income to people who have limited assets and income and who are 65 or older, blind or disabled.

• Medicaid. Medicaid provides medical assistance for low-income Americans. Within federal guidelines, each state establishes its own eligibility requirements, decides the services to be covered, sets the payment for services and administers its own program. Consequently, benefits and requirements vary from state to state. Check with your local social services agency for more information.
• Medicare. Medicare is a federal health insurance plan for people over the age of 65, as well as for some people with disabilities who are under age 65.
• Veterans Administration. If you're a veteran, you may qualify for government benefits. Check with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and your local VA hospital.

A diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's typically throws all the earlier plans you made for your life into a tailspin. Your future is now full of unknowns. But you can erase at least one of these question marks by developing a financial plan for your new future. Taking these concrete steps can ease your mind and help you cope with future challenges.