Researchers at the University of Alabama have published a study of 76 patients over one year to determine whether a change in financial skills could be a signal that patients who were struggling with money issues were developing Alzheimer’s disease.

In this study, the answer is yes, these changes can be a meaningful warning.

The work was published in the journal, Neurology.

Bear in mind: A critical measure in assessing the function of people of any age is to compare a decline with the individual’s ability at its peak.

As the sample size in this study is 76, more studies will be needed to confirm these findings.

BBC

“Declining financial skills are detectable in patients in the year before they develop Alzheimer’s, according to US researchers.

“The researchers say this could be a useful indicator for doctors supporting people with memory problems.

“Previous studies have shown that problems with daily activities often precede the onset of Alzheimer’s.

“But charities said most people having trouble working out figures should not be alarmed by the study.”

Source: BBC, September 22, 2009

Citation: NEUROLOGY 2009;73:928-934