Talking to Family Members about Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline can quickly become a serious issue in any family. Identifying concerns, preferences and goals may help a family prepare for the decisions that come along with cognitive health issues.

By 2050, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to nearly triple to 13.8 million.1And, in a recent survey conducted by Merrill Lynch, 54% of respondents said Alzheimer’s is the scariest disabling condition that one can encounter later in life. Against that backdrop, preparing is essential for our aging population, especially older wealthy individuals, who can be prime targets for fraud and other types of abuse.

Talking about cognitive decline is crucial. Yet discussing what to do if one becomes mentally incapacitated can be one of the hardest steps in a process. It requires both sensitivity and practicality. The resources on this page will help you consider some of the best ways to start these difficult conversations."



The full report on memory loss and your family.