Pre-Dementia Diagnosis: Wealth Loss Plagues Older Americans

Older Americans experience a significant decline in wealth in the years leading up to a dementia diagnosis, according to a study published in JAMA Neurology. The median household net worth of seniors dropped by over half in the eight years before a dementia diagnosis, compared to those who retained their mental capacity. The decline in wealth may be attributed to deteriorating financial capability associated with cognitive decline, susceptibility to fraud, or the need to pay for increasing medical and long-term care expenses. Further research is needed to understand the exact reasons behind the financial decline in individuals with dementia.