Expert: Michalene Peticca - 3/10/2009

Question
Can you direct me to some information that will differentiate AD from mental disorders. My insurance company is not covering expenses incur from the death of my father in law. His death certificate gives AD as the cause of death and the insurance company states that mental and nervous disorders are not covered.
Thank you

Answer
Hello Donna,

I am so glad you wrote.  Many people continue to believe that Alzheimer's is a mental disorder...it is not.  It is a physical, brain deteriorating disease that destroys brain neurotransmitters and shrinks the actual brain tissue.

I would suggest going to several sites to determine what you may need in terms of research.  Some good sites are:   Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (find Dr. Peter Rabins and Dr. Constantine Lyketsos as references),  The University of Pittsburgh, Boston University Research, Duke University and the Alzheimer's Association (National) website.

Please remind the insurance company (although they are a Private business) that they pay claims for "complications related to AIDS disease" such as pneumonia, etc. and thus this would fall into the same category.

If you have any problems beyond this, contact your State Insurance Regulatory office (found in the "government" section of your phone book)...i'm sure they'd be happy to help your claim.

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, MA