Dementia and the ability to handle money: The warning signs of Alzheimer's Disease
Filed under: Health
I wrote recently about findings that many patients in the early stages of dementia, including those who would progress to Alzheimer's Disease, already showed a diminished capacity to handle finances. Several readers asked for more information about how to recognize those who may be struggling with this problem. The ten warning signs of Alzheimer's Disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association, are:
1. Memory loss that disrupts life
2. Trouble with planning or problem-solving
3. Struggling to complete familiar tasks
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking and writing
7. Misplacing objects and the inability to retrace steps to find them
8. Diminished or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood or personality
Keep in mind that normal aging can bring about modest declines in each of these areas. The differences here are magnitude and disruption. Is the change consequential? Is it problematic?
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America holds a National Memory Screening Day each year (this year on November 17) when "Qualified healthcare professionals at community venues offer free confidential memory screenings..." Your family physician should also be able to guide you to local resources.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-05-2009 @ 1:18PM
Pat said...
I have never been able to balance a checkbook.........the reason being my husband has always carried a checkbook and never tells me what he writes for. This has been going on since we were in our late 20's. Who is heading for AD in this instance?
Reply
10-24-2009 @ 11:26AM
Sandy Martin said...
My Dad is in 1st stages of Alzheimers. My sisters and I set him up with a place called Community Life to get him out of his apt and to try and get him thinking more for himself.. He does not do his checking but his friend Rose (lady friend) has been doing his bill paying . Now that we are seeing his disease progress, we are trying to find a way to let him know that my sister(power of attorney) needs to take over his finances, pay his bills etc. He got very angry when it was brought up and now we find ourselves debating back and forth on how to handle this matter. Can you help us? thank you
Reply
11-19-2009 @ 5:09PM
Peggy said...
There is a great website with alot of resources and member feedback. I highly recommend checking it out. Its called Caring.com good luck and god bless.