Poor Money Management & Early Alzheimers?

Researchers from the University of Alabama have found that a person who was able to handle money earlier in life and who begins making poor money decisions and has become unable to handle transactions may be heading towards Alzheimer’s disease.

Their study wasn’t a large one (only 163 people) but it could be a good indicator of what other things to look for as well if further studies back up these findings.

Of the 163 people, 87 had mild cognitive impairment (mild memory loss or ability to do calculations or mental tasks) and 76 people who showed no signs of memory problems. The researchers looked to see who the participants used a bank statement, balanced a checkbook, paid bills, and counted money.

According to the findings, which were published in the Sept. 22 edition of the journal Neurology,

During the course of the year, 25 of the MCI [mild cognitive impairment] patients had progressed to Alzheimer’s disease. The overall FCI scores for those 25 participants decreased 6 percent from their original scores and 9 percent for checkbook-management skills. The control group and those MCI patients who did not progress to dementia maintained the level of their FCI [Financial Capacity Instrument] scores throughout the year.

This type of information bears watching because if we can identify Alzheimer’s disease earlier, we may be able to find ways to manage it or help the people with it cope.

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