A field guide to dementia
Protecting wealth for an aging America
As a financial professional, the question isn’t “if,” but “how many” of your clients will be affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Help your clients understand and address the financial implications of this damaging disease.
Through our collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) AgeLab, we’ve developed several comprehensive pieces designed to illustrate the costs associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Transamerica is a proud supporter of the MIT AgeLab.
Take it with you
Download these resources to reference when you’re talking to your clients about dementia.
Field guide to dementia
A financial professional’s guide to strategically approaching dementia.
Toolkit for a loved one with dementia
Download this five-step checklist and share with your clients.
Your clients could become caregivers
Clients who take on the role of caregiver will likely be affected financially, emotionally, and professionally.
Here's how you can help.
Why it matters
Clients afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other dementias need help preparing for the financial ramifications associated with this condition. By taking time to help, you’re doing more than dedicating yourself to a noble cause. You’re helping them address their wealth and health, demonstrating your value to clients, earning their trust, and developing relationships that can overlap generations.
The 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Examples include forgetting recently learned information, important dates or events, or repeatedly asking for the same information.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
Some people may experience changes in their ability to follow a recipe or monitor monthly bills.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work, or remembering rules to a favorite game.
4. Confusion with time or place
Examples include losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. People with Alzheimer’s may, at times, forget where they are or how they got there.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
Some people with Alzheimer’s may have trouble reading, judging distance, and determining color or contrast, potentially causing problems with driving.
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
This involves problems with following or joining conversations. People with Alzheimer’s may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue. They may also have trouble remembering words to identify objects (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock.”)
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
A person with Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, the accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
8. Decreased or poor judgement
People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports.
10. Changes in mood and personality
The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s provided by the Alzheimer’s Association®, are not always a sign of Alzheimer’s; they could be the sign of a disease that is treatable. If you are concerned about a client, encourage that person to see a doctor.
Alzheimer's facts
1 in 10 people
32% of people
Know the signs of caregiver stress
Caregiver responsibilities can be overwhelming. Help your clients learn the symptoms commonly associated with their role and how they can regain control.
Important information
Transamerica Resources, Inc. is an Aegon company and is affiliated with various companies which include, but are not limited to, insurance companies and broker dealers. Transamerica Resources, Inc. does not offer insurance products or securities. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as insurance, securities, ERISA, tax, legal or financial advice or guidance. Please consult your personal independent advisors for answers to your specific questions.