10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's -- Sign No. 8

One of the most tragic changes experienced by those who are challenged by Alzheimer's is a dramatic decrease in their ability to make decisions or to use good judgment. Almost everyone makes a bad choice or decision once and a while, but those who are impaired by Alzheimer's are particularly susceptible to outside influence. Sometimes the person will listen to third parties like salesmen or con artists and yet, at the same time, worry that anything said by a member of the family is suspect. This problem can go so far that the con artists will actually use the person's concern about family members stealing from them to take their money.

I have seen Alzheimer's sufferers fail to pay legitimate bills but at the same time pay every magazine subscription offer that comes to them in the mail. Some of those people I have known were paying to dozens of by-the-mail charities, without knowing where or to whom their money was going.

Another related warning sign is a marked decrease in grooming or personal hygiene, especially from a person who has previously been concerned about appearances. Many times sufferers will wear clothes that do not match at all or even go out in public in their pajamas or night clothes. One woman I knew would occasionally forget to get completely dressed at all and show up in her slip. However, if the person's condition gets to this level of dysfunction, some of the other signs will be dramatically worse.

This decline in judgment is a major reason for directing attention to financial affairs before a person declines to the point that such a consideration requires court intervention. Please consider calling me at Jackson White, if you feel this is a problem with yourself or a loved one.