Financial performance of people with acquired cognitive impairments or affective disturbances - A prospective, European-wide study

BACKGROUND: Financial capability, encompassing both financial competence and financial performance, is essential for independent living. However, individuals with neurological and psychiatric disorders often demonstrate difficulties with financial capability. This study examined the influence of common neurological and psychiatric conditions, i.e., Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), stroke, and affective disturbances, on financial performance.

METHODS: Prospective data from wave 8 (n= 53,695) and wave 9 (n= 69,477) of the Survey of Health, Retirement and Ageing in Europe were used, which included individuals aged 50+; part of Wave 8 and all of Wave 9 data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regressions and group comparisons were conducted to analyze the influence of self-reported disease diagnosis on three aspects of (future) financial performance: difficulties in managing money, difficulties in making ends meet, and debt situation.

RESULTS: Compared to controls, participants with one of the four conditions reported significantly more often having difficulties managing money. Within the AD group, over half of the participants reported these difficulties. The different diagnoses also predicted both current and future difficulties in managing money and making ends meet. However, only affective disorders were associated with and predicted a higher likelihood of having household debts.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Compared to controls, individuals with PD, AD, stroke, or affective disorders are more prone to experiencing impairments with both current and future financial performance, potentially facing financial difficulties. These results emphasize the importance of recognizing financial difficulties in such individuals and offering financial assistance when needed.