Step Aside, Biomarkers. Look to the Bank Account for Early Signs of Dementia

The University of Denver's Eric Chess writes that initial clinical markers of cognitive decline can be seen in bank accounts more so than the brain, according to STAT . He says impaired financial decision-making can crop up decades before the advent of other traditional dementia symptoms. "While individuals with dementia are particularly vulnerable to financial exploitation and scams, those with unrecognized cognitive impairment likely make up a larger percentage of victims of fraud and exploitation, which cost older adults billions of dollars a year," Chess notes. "But impaired financial decision-making goes beyond vulnerability to financial exploitation and poor decisions about savings or investment, and can be seen in everyday financial decisions like managing credit cards, calculating tips, and unnecessary spending." Chess says the Financial Security and Cognitive Health Initiative is devising a screening test to spot mental impairment early, boost awareness, and augment cognitive and financial health. "Testing that is easy and accessible — like an app on your phone or a quick test from a financial planner or healthcare practitioner — could be used in ways that encourage protection and prevention through team-oriented approaches, social connection, and interdisciplinary solutions," he writes. "I foresee a future where individuals can be screened for early signs of impairment at a point in their lives well before any noticeable symptoms are apparent; a future when we abundant options to prevent cognitive impairment and protect against poor decisions, financial and otherwise, that are accessible to all."