Dementia: The desire to give money to others can signal the “early” stages of the disease

Dementia is already a global emergency, but without treatment in the near future, the disease will continue to progress rapidly. However, early diagnosis can open the door to timely treatment and prolong the quality of life.

Willingness to give money may be associated with the cognitive profile of early Alzheimer's.

A new study examined the relationship using a paradigm behavioral economics. Participants were assessed by putting them in a scenario in which they had to decide whether to give or keep real money. They were then asked to decide whether to give the money to an anonymous person or keep it for themselves. Volunteers were given $10 and instructed to divide it freely in $1 increments between themselves and an anonymous person. It found that those who scored lower on cognitive tests were more likely to give money away.

These cognitive tests are commonly used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease in its early stages. Participants who donated more scored significantly lower on neuropsychological tests known to be sensitive to early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Future research aims to understand why some elderly people may be more susceptible than others. to scams, fraud, or financial exploitation.

“Problems with money are thought to be one of the early signs of Alzheimer's disease, and this finding supports that view.”

If a person experiences some changes in their altruistic behavior, this may indicate that changes are also taking place in the brain.