Wealth Management While Dealing with Memory Loss

TitleWealth Management While Dealing with Memory Loss
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsCheung, CHee, Yilmazer, T
JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues
Volume40
Pagination470–485
Type of ArticleJournal
ISSN Number1058-0476
KeywordsCognition & Reasoning, Dementia, Memory, Mortality
Abstract

This study aims to understand the mechanisms through which severe memory problems could affect portfolio choice of older households. We focus on two potential mediators, cognitive ability and survival expectations, which are both expected to be adversely affected by memory disorders. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, our findings show that cognitive ability and survival expectations are negatively associated with severe memory problems. Through the mediating role of cognitive ability, memory problems negatively affect the probability of holding risky assets, the amount of risky assets in the investment portfolios and financial wealth. Survival expectations, on the other hand, do not play a significant mediating role in portfolio allocation. In addition, the financial burden of severe memory problems does not seem to directly affect portfolio decisions.

URLhttps://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10834-019-09610-w
DOI10.1007/s10834-019-09610-w
Short TitleJ Fam Econ Iss
Citation Key9959