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Spending Issues May Be a Warning Sign for Memory Issues

Does your loved one spend lots of money and not recall the purchases? In the Orlando Sentinel on Sunday, January 9, 2022, there was an article called “She Bought a Truck on eBay, Then Forgot It” written by Michelle Andrews. 

The eBay Story 

In the article, Andrews tells a story about a woman who bought a red pickup truck on eBay for $20,000.00. The woman got an email the next day about arranging delivery. Only then did the woman remember what she had done. 

That action was out of the ordinary for the woman. She had been diagnosed with traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease. Her doctors also saw evidence of Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia, which was all discovered during brain imaging. 

Money and Cognitive Decline

Andrews states in the article that these money troubles are not unusual among people who are beginning to experience cognitive decline. The author says that long before people are diagnosed with dementia, they start to lose their ability to manage money and make sound decisions. 

People who live alone are most likely to slip through the cracks, according to Beth Kallmyer of the Alzheimer’s Association. The article also states that many adult children may be reluctant to discuss personal finances with their parents, who often guard their independence. 

Look for the Signs

There are other signs to look for that  your loved one may have Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the signs to look for include the following: Does your loved one get lost when they go to the grocery store? Has your loved one missed doctors’ appointments or other appointments? Are they forgetting to take their prescription medicine? Are they forgetting to pay their bills? Are they suffering from depression? Are they forgetting to eat their meals? These are a few signs that should concern you regarding your loved one’s health. 

If you are concerned about whether a loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s, you can check with their physician, if they allow it. Further, if you have concerns, you can take your loved one to see a neurologist. 

If you have more questions regarding a Marital and Family Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.