Is Your Loved One Suffering From Cognitive Impairment?
According to the CDC, “Cognitive impairment is when a person has trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions that affect their everyday life.” Mild levels of impairment may be noticeable, yet the person is still able to perform their everyday activities. On the other hand, severe levels of impairment can mean losing the ability to live independently.
While it can be difficult to determine if someone is suffering from cognitive impairment, according to the Mayo Clinic there are some warning signs look for:
The person forgets things more often.
The person misses appointments or social events.
The person loses their train of thought.
The person can't follow the plot of a book or movie.
The person has trouble following a conversation.
The person finds it hard to make decisions, finish a task or follow instructions.
The person starts to have trouble finding their way around places they know well.
The person begins to have poor judgment.
If you suspect your loved one is having a difficult time managing their money or taking care of their physical needs because of cognitive impairment, the best first step is to confirm your suspicion with a cognitive impairment screening by a qualified medical professional. During such screenings, patients are asked simple questions about themselves and their surroundings, including their name, address, the time, and to recall information.
In addition to the screening you should work to understand their financial and physical situation making certain that financial assets are being properly managed. “Risky” financial assets, like valuable stock portfolios, may be particularly susceptible to mismanagement in those with cognitive impairment. Finally, you should ensure that legal documents such as financial power of attorney and health care directives are in place and up to date.
A person’s decline into significant cognitive impairment can present many significant challenges. Early detection and action can make all the difference.
This post is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship between Hallock & Hallock and the reader.