--- title: Protecting a Loved One with Cognitive Decline from Scams description: Taking steps now to prepare for cognitive decline can help ensure your loved one’s finances remain protected in the future image: https://women.xmlfg.com/hubfs/XML%20Women%20May%202025/resources3.jpg --- - [ FORM CRS ](https://www.xmlfg.com/form-crs) - [ Operations Notice ](https://www.xmlfg.com/website-operations-notice) [![Cross](https://women.xmlfg.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/XML_Women_May2025/images/cross.svg) ](https://women.xmlfg.com/blog/protecting-a-loved-one-with-cognitive-decline-from-scams-1#) [![xml-logo-women](https://women.xmlfg.com/hubfs/XML%20Women%20May%202025/xml-logo-women.svg) ](https://women.xmlfg.com) Start typing and press ENTER [* ![Arrow Circle](https://women.xmlfg.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/XML_Women_May2025/images/arrow-circle.svg) * Back to resources ](https://women.xmlfg.com/blog) [Articles & Market Commentary ](https://women.xmlfg.com/blog/tag/xml-women-category-articles-market-commentary) 07/28/2025 XML Women | Author ### Protecting a Loved One with Cognitive Decline from Scams Scammers frequently target older adults, especially those with cognitive impairments. As Sarah Lock from AARP notes, a key sign of cognitive decline can be a change in financial behavior. Studies show that people with conditions like dementia are more likely to experience financial issues, such as missed payments or dropped credit scores, often years before receiving a formal diagnosis. In response to such scams, experts recommend being proactive in helping loved ones manage finances. Parents may resist involvement in their financial affairs, but careful, respectful intervention can make a difference. Setting up alerts on bank accounts and securing sensitive documents are also crucial steps to take. It’s also vital to establish a system to monitor accounts, such as receiving duplicate bank statements or using identity protection services. Consider setting up robocall-blocking tools and freezing credit reports to prevent fraud. Most importantly, share basic scam prevention tips with your loved one, such as being suspicious of unsolicited communications, protecting personal information, and consulting trusted individuals if something feels off. Taking steps now to prepare for cognitive decline can help ensure your loved one’s finances remain protected in the future. Consider designating a financial advocate and having conversations early to safeguard against potential scams. [Check out the full AARP article on this topic here. ](https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/protect-older-parents-from-scams/#help) Have questions about how these insights and ideas could impact your personalized wealth management strategy? [Let’s talk.](https://www.xmlfg.com/contact/) *This communication is for information and educational purposes only. This is not a recommendation for the sale or investment in any product or strategy or to be perceived as individual advice. Information presented has been prepared from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed and does not represent all available data necessary for making investment or tax decisions. Economic and market forecasts presented herein reflect a series of assumptions and judgments as of the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. Forecasts do not consider the specific investment objectives, restrictions, tax and financial situation or other needs of an individual. Actual data will vary and may not be reflected here. Accordingly, these forecasts should be viewed as merely representative of a broad range of possible outcomes. The opinion expressed by this individual is based on facts and circumstances known at this time, is subject to change and does not reflect the opinions of all financial professionals of XML. Financial professionals do not provide specific tax/legal advice and the information presented at this  should not be considered as such. You should always consult your tax/legal advisor regarding your own specific tax/legal situation.* ## You may also like [![](https://women.xmlfg.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20XML%20Curtis%20Commentary%20Image%20(75).png) ](https://women.xmlfg.com/blog/financial-lessons-from-the-past) ###### March 3, 2026 #### [Financial Lessons from the Past](https://women.xmlfg.com/blog/financial-lessons-from-the-past) [Read more ** ](https://women.xmlfg.com/blog/financial-lessons-from-the-past) [![married couple ](https://women.xmlfg.com/hubfs/Website%20Thumbnail%20Is%20working%20longer%20backup%20plan%20%20(9).png) ](https://women.xmlfg.com/blog/blending-money-financial-tips-every-engaged-couple-should-know) ###### February 10, 2026 #### [Blending Money: Financial Tips Every Engaged Couple Should Know](https://women.xmlfg.com/blog/blending-money-financial-tips-every-engaged-couple-should-know) [Read more ** ](https://women.xmlfg.com/blog/blending-money-financial-tips-every-engaged-couple-should-know) [![](https://women.xmlfg.com/hubfs/In%20the%20News%20-%20Check%20Please!%20Who%20Should%20Pay%20On%20The%20First%20Date%20(1).png) ](https://women.xmlfg.com/blog/at-61-is-it-smarter-to-split-or-just-keep-the-marriage) ###### January 20, 2026 #### [At 61, Is It Smarter to Split or Just Keep the Marriage?](https://women.xmlfg.com/blog/at-61-is-it-smarter-to-split-or-just-keep-the-marriage) [Read more ** ](https://women.xmlfg.com/blog/at-61-is-it-smarter-to-split-or-just-keep-the-marriage) ## Financial Planning, Designed for You. 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