Long before they receive a dementia diagnosis, many people start losing their ability to manage their finances. PHOTO: AFP
After Ms Maria Turner's minivan was totalled in an accident a dozen years ago, she grew impatient waiting for the insurance company to process the claim.
One night, she saw a red pickup truck on eBay for US$20,000 (S$26,700). She thought it was just what she needed. She clicked "buy it now" and went to bed.
The next morning, she got an e-mail about arranging delivery. Only then did she remember what she had done. Making such a big purchase with no forethought and then forgetting about it was completely out of character for Ms Turner, then a critical care nurse in Greenville, South Carolina. Although she was able to back out of the deal, the experience scared her.
