This Surprising Sign of Dementia Shows Up 6 Years Before Diagnosis
About this episode
This episode discusses how financial problems can be an early sign of dementia, appearing up to six years before a diagnosis, and offers advice for caregivers on protecting financial security.
Before the memory problems, confusion, and obvious dementia symptoms, many families notice something else first: money problems. Missed bill payments, unusual purchases, giving money away, falling for scams, or struggling to manage finances can sometimes be among the earliest signs of dementia. Research now shows these financial changes may appear years before a dementia diagnosis is ever made. In this episode, I explain why money management is often one of the first cognitive skills affected by dementia, what the research says about financial warning signs appearing up to six years before diagnosis, and what caregivers can do to help protect a loved one's financial security. Whether you're concerned about early signs of dementia, supporting someone with Alzheimer's disease, or already navigating the challenges of caregiving, this episode will help you understand what may be happening and what steps to take next. ⏱ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Did the money warning come before the memory problems? 2:10 - What financial warning signs actually look like 4:00 - Why managing money is the brain's first stress test 8:01 - Why these signs are so easy to miss 10:43 - Practical steps to take now…
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