Habits That Might Indicate an Increased Risk of Cognitive Deterioration
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open has shed light on potential early warning signs of cognitive decline related to dementia, focusing on changes in banking habits and household bills.
The research, which reviewed the banking records of over 66,000 individuals who registered a power of attorney as a result of financial incapacity, found some striking differences when compared to a control group of over 50,000 individuals with no indications of lost mental acuity.
Individuals who registered a power of attorney were found to be 9.6 percentage points less likely to spend money on travel in the five years before registering a power of attorney. This suggests that declining financial capacity might result in a disengagement from outside activities and a retreat to the comforts of home.
Moreover, these individuals were more likely to spend money on items associated with increased time at home, such as electricity and gas bills. The differences in spending habits increased gradually as the account holder moved closer to the date the power of attorney was registered.
Another key behavioral sign identified in the study was susceptibility to scams or fraud. Those beginning to experience lack of financial capacity might be more susceptible to such scams, as cognitive decline reduces the ability to detect financial fraud. The study found that individuals who registered a power of attorney were more likely to report fraud.
The study also found that individuals who registered a power of attorney were less likely to log into their bank accounts, with one fewer login occurring each month. Additionally, they were more likely to ask for their PIN to be reset.
Observing changes in banking habits and household bills in loved ones can help detect early signs of cognitive decline. For example, an increase in household bills may indicate more time spent at home and forgetfulness, such as failure to turn off appliances. Similarly, patterns like unopened bills, accumulating mail, or difficulty managing money are common early warning signs of dementia.
Experts suggest that a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of dementia. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and no smoking are part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. While the study did not directly address this aspect, it is worth noting that the individuals who registered a power of attorney were 7.9 percentage points less likely to spend on hobbies, such as gardening.
It's important to note that the risk factors for dementia are complex and include factors that cannot be modified, such as age and genetic makeup. However, identifying early signs of cognitive decline can encourage timely medical evaluation and interventions that may help slow decline through lifestyle adjustments like increased physical activity, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation.
In conclusion, reduced financial management ability and irregularities in household bill payments are practical indicators of early cognitive decline because they reflect the person’s diminishing executive function, memory, and attention — domains often affected at the onset of dementia. Family members or caregivers should monitor these changes to help detect cognitive issues early and potentially slow the progression of the disease.
- The study in JAMA Network Open suggests that reduced spending on travel and increased spending on household bills, such as electricity and gas, might be early warning signs of cognitive decline related to mental health and health-and-wellness.
- In addition, a higher susceptibility to scams or fraud, fewer bank account logins, and more PIN resets might also indicate a decline in mental acuity due to medical-conditions like dementia, which can be detected by family members and caregivers through changes in banking habits.
