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Financial capacity and the onset of dementia

Published 22 September 2009

A study published in Neurology by researchers in the US has found that declining financial skills could be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

The year long study worked with 87 people with MCI, 25 of whom developed Alzheimer-type dementia during the study period and 62 who did not; and with 76 cognitively healthy people as controls. The group was tested at the beginning of the year and at the end with a tool called the Financial Capacity Instrument (FCI). This measured skills including understanding of financial concepts, cash transactions, bank statement management and bill payment. 

'This could be a useful indicator for doctors supporting people with memory problems. Everyone struggles now and then to divide a restaurant bill or tot up your chequebook. However, this study suggests that if you already experience significant memory problems and start to notice a decline in your financial skills it could be a sign of developing dementia.

More research is needed into memory decline to begin to find useful, early indicators of the development of dementia. Dementia research is desperately underfunded. One million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years. We must act now.'

Dr. Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Ends

Reference: Declining financial capacity in mild cognitive impairmentby K.L. Triebel, PsyD, R.Martin, PhD, H.R. Griffith, PhD et al

Notes to editors

 

  • 1 in 3 people over 65 will die with dementia.
  • 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.
  • Alzheimer's Society campaigns for and champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  • As a charity, Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow.You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk.
  • Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk

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