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

Field Guide to Dementia

A financial professional’s guide to strategically approaching dementia.

Toolkit for a Loved One

Toolkit for a Loved One with Dementia

Download this five-step checklist and share with your clients.

Caregivers Field Guide

Caregiver's Field Guide

Guide to financial strategies for clients living with dementia.

Financial Professional Toolkit

Financial Professional Toolkit

Talking points and tips for protecting clients’ wealth.

Why it matters to you

Why It Matters to You

You’re on the front lines. Here’s why and where to get support.

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

HELP CLIENTS PREPARE FOR THE POSSIBILITY

One in three seniors are affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia.* Help clients learn more about the disease and its early warning signs.
 
* “Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” Alzheimer’s Association, accessed September 2019
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The 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's

Examples include forgetting recently learned information, important dates or events, or repeatedly asking for the same information.
Some people may experience changes in their ability to follow a recipe or monitor monthly bills.
People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work, or remembering rules to a favorite game.
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.
Some people with Alzheimer’s may have trouble reading, judging distance, and determining color or contrast, potentially causing problems with driving.
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.”)
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.
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.
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports.
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

Although sobering and unfortunate, these facts can arm you when you’re helping prepare clients for their later years.
Alzheimer's Chart

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.
READ MORE

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.