Littman Krooks

While cognitive declines associated with Alzheimer’s diseases and other dementias are well-known, most people are unaware that seniors without dementia are also at risk for cognitive impairment, particularly in financial issues.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center conducted a study that revealed that different types of intelligence plays roles in determining when people are at their best cognitively. Research showed that fluid intelligence, or the ability to solve new problems, may start to decline as early as age 20. When it comes to financial matters, people tend to peak in their 50’s. Crystallized intelligence, or a person’s wisdom and experience, continues to build until reaching a plateau around the age of 70. At that point, people may begin to have difficulty keeping track of financial matters or are vulnerable to making bad decisions or being exploited.

The research also identified early warning signs of financial decline that adult children of seniors should watch out for, to help prevent financial losses.

The warning signs include:

• Taking longer to complete ordinary financial tasks, for example, paying bills, filing taxes
• Paying less attention to financial details, such as an overdue bill, an error in a bank statement
• A decline in everyday math skills, for instance, calculating a tip in a restaurant
• A decreased understanding of financial ideas, possibly, interest rates or return on investments
• Difficulty assessing the risks in a financial opportunity, such as the risk of a scam or poor investment

Seniors can be proactive and authorize their elder law or estate planning attorney to contact a trusted family member or friend if they believe that their cognitive skills are declining.

Learn more about our services by visiting www.elderlawnewyork.com.

Was this article of interest to you? If so, please LIKE our Facebook Page by clicking here.