Financial Trouble Could Be an Early Sign of Dementia

For many families, the earliest sign that something might be wrong with a loved one isn’t memory loss—it’s financial missteps. Missed bills, odd purchases, or disappearing funds may point to the start of cognitive decline. These financial issues often arise well before an official dementia diagnosis and can create confusion or tension between aging parents and adult children.

Financial Warning Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Dementia impacts the brain’s ability to reason, make decisions, and understand consequences. Because of this, trouble with managing money is often one of the first red flags. Someone who always paid their bills on time may suddenly forget due dates. Investments might go unmanaged, or unexpected charges could show up on credit card statements.

Older adults with early memory problems are also more likely to fall for scams. Fraudsters often target seniors, and those experiencing cognitive decline may unknowingly give away money or personal information. These transactions might not be remembered later, which makes it harder for family members to spot what’s happening.

It’s easy to dismiss these changes as forgetfulness or stubborn behavior. But a deeper medical issue may be the real cause. Recognizing new or unusual financial behavior is a key part of identifying when it’s time to consider long term care planning in Natick, MA.