Difficulty making safe and sensible decisions
Poor judgement can affect everyday choices, problem-solving and risk awareness. In dementia, poor judgement may develop gradually and can impact finances, driving, personal safety and relationships.
Family members may notice their loved one:
- being easily influenced or scammed
- gaining a new interest in gambling or risky investments
- having trouble planning or organising steps
- making choices they would not usually make
- spending more money than intended or making unusual donations
- saying or doing things that seem rude or out of character
- taking risks without thinking about consequences
- unsafe cooking, leaving appliances on, or wandering.
Poor judgement may be associated with:
- dementia
- depression
- medication side effects
- mild cognitive impairment
- stress or anxiety.