Older adults with probable dementia often take part in unsafe activities

Older adults with signs of probable dementia but no formal diagnosis are much more likely to drive, cook and manage their medications and finances than those with a formal diagnosis, which may be unsafe, according to a new study.

“Just because someone has dementia doesn’t mean they can’t do these things on their own. But if both physicians and families are aware, then they can get safeguards in place,” said study leader Dr. Halima Amjad of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine’s Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology in Baltimore.

The researchers analyzed data from more than 7,600 participants in the National Health and Aging Trends Study, which has been gathering health information for Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older since 2011.