February 6, 2025

Experiencing some level of cognitive impairment is a common part of aging as we grow older. Cognitive decline ranges from mild memory loss to severe conditions like dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately one in nine adults reports subjective cognitive decline (SCD)—a condition where individuals notice worsening memory problems or confusion.

However, every individual’s experience with cognitive decline is unique. While some may struggle with specific daily tasks, they may still manage other aspects of life effectively. Identifying early signs of cognitive decline—such as memory lapses, difficulty focusing, confusion, or poor judgment—paves the way for timely intervention and support.

Unfortunately, cognitive decline increases vulnerability to abuse, often by someone the individual knows and trusts. However, through proactive lifestyle changes and preventive strategies, older adults can reduce the impact of cognitive decline and safeguard themselves against potential exploitation.

Recognizing the Signs of Cognitive Impairment

Identifying cognitive decline isn’t always straightforward, as the signs may be subtle or easy to overlook. When spending time with aging family members, pay close attention to any changes in their behavior, speech, or daily habits. Some common indicators of cognitive decline include:

Memory Loss: Forgetting recent events, misplacing items, or struggling to navigate familiar routes may signal memory issues.
Confusion: Difficulty completing routine tasks or understanding concepts like time and place are additional signs of cognitive impairment.
Poor Judgment: Making uncharacteristic, risky, or ill-advised decisions may indicate a decline in judgment and reasoning abilities.
Language Difficulties: Trouble finding the right words, following conversations, or expressing thoughts clearly points to language-related challenges.
Mood and Behavior Changes: Sudden shifts in mood, increased irritability, or noticeable changes in personality are potential red flags of cognitive decline.

Recognizing these early warning signs is crucial for getting your loved one the care and support they need. Early intervention makes a significant difference in managing cognitive health.

Effective Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Cognitive Decline

While cognitive decline is a natural part of aging, adopting certain lifestyle habits helps minimize risk factors and supports brain health. Here are some proven strategies:

Stay Mentally Active: Challenge your brain with stimulating activities like solving puzzles, reading, playing strategy games, or learning a new hobby or skill.
Prioritize Physical Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga. Exercise enhances blood flow to the brain and supports overall cognitive function.
Follow a Brain-Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet that includes antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins. Foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, berries, and nuts are particularly beneficial for brain health.
Maintain Social Connections: Stay socially engaged by spending time with friends and family or participating in group activities. Social interaction helps keep the mind sharp and reduces feelings of isolation.
Schedule Routine Health Check-Ups: Regular medical check-ups help detect and address underlying health conditions that may contribute to cognitive decline.

Incorporating these habits into daily life makes a significant difference in preserving cognitive health and enhancing overall well-being.

Understanding and Recognizing Financial Elder Abuse

Financial elder abuse is a growing issue, particularly among older adults facing cognitive decline. This form of abuse involves the unlawful or improper use of an elderly person’s funds, property, or assets. Additionally, perpetrators range from strangers and caregivers to close family members. The consequences are often devastating, resulting in significant financial losses and emotional trauma.

Detecting financial elder abuse can be challenging, as victims may feel ashamed or unaware they are being exploited. Watch for these warning signs to protect your loved ones:

Unusual Financial Transactions: Look for sudden, unexplained withdrawals, transfers of large sums of money, or unusual spending patterns. If the individual cannot explain these transactions, it may be a red flag.
Unpaid Bills or Financial Neglect: If bills remain unpaid despite the person having sufficient funds, this could indicate someone is misusing their money.
Unexpected Legal Document Changes: Be cautious of sudden amendments to wills, powers of attorney, property deeds, or other legal documents. Such changes may signal undue influence or coercion.
Social Isolation: Abusers often isolate their victims from friends and family to exert control. Regularly check in on loved ones to ensure they maintain their social connections.

By staying vigilant and recognizing these signs, you can help protect older adults from financial exploitation. If you suspect financial elder abuse, act quickly by reporting it to the appropriate authorities or seeking legal advice.

Steps to Help Prevent Financial Elder Abuse

Preventing financial elder abuse requires proactive measures and ongoing vigilance. By taking the following steps, you can help safeguard the finances of aging family members and reduce their risk of exploitation:

Encourage Open Communication: Foster a safe environment where elderly loved ones feel comfortable discussing financial matters with trusted family members or advisors.
Educate About Scams: Teach seniors about common scams and fraud tactics, such as phishing emails, fake charity requests, or phone scams, so they can recognize and avoid them.
Regularly Monitor Accounts: Keep a close eye on bank accounts, credit card statements, and financial transactions for any unusual or unauthorized activity.
Establish Legal Safeguards: Set up durable powers of attorney, trusts, or guardianships to ensure their finances are managed responsibly and securely.
Seek Professional Assistance: Work with a qualified financial advisor and an elder law attorney to develop a comprehensive plan for managing and protecting their assets.

By implementing these strategies, you can help prevent financial exploitation and provide peace of mind for your loved ones. Taking action now will make a significant difference in protecting their financial security.

Preventing Financial Vulnerability with an Elder Law Attorney

While cognitive decline is a natural part of aging, it does not have to result in financial exploitation. Families can mitigate risks through open communication, proactive planning, and a commitment to protecting their loved ones. Ensuring the safety and security of seniors involves compassion, vigilance, and access to the right resources.

For personalized guidance, consult an experienced elder law attorney to explore your options and develop a tailored plan. You can also visit the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) for additional information and resources.

For additional reading on cognitive decline and elder abuse, check out the following articles:

Bromlow Law, PLLC and Laura L. Bromlow, are dedicated to the practice of Elder Law and Estate Planning. Our practice focuses solely on working with clients in these and closely related legal fields. Laura L. Bromlow is a Certified Elder Law Attorney with the National Elder Law Foundation. Bromlow Law, PLLC strives to enhance communication among family members and loved ones and to keep them all out of conflict so they can stay out of court. We want to help you keep your close circle safe!

Please contact our office today at (281) 665-3807 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal matters. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.