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Lim AC, Weissberger GH, Axelrod J, Mosqueda L, Nguyen AL, Fenton L, Noriega D, Erdman CE, Han SD. Neuropsychological profile associated with financial exploitation vulnerability in older adults without dementia. Clin Neuropsychol 2024:1-17. [PMID: 39060956 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2024.2378526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Objective: Reports of financial exploitation have steadily increased among older adults. Few studies have examined neuropsychological profiles for individuals vulnerable to financial exploitation, and existing studies have focused on susceptibility to scams, one specific type of financial exploitation. The current study therefore examines whether a general measure of financial exploitation vulnerability is associated with neuropsychological performance in a community sample. Methods: A sample (n = 116) of adults aged 50 or older without dementia completed a laboratory visit that measures physical and psychological functioning and a neuropsychological assessment, the Uniform Data Set-3 (UDS-3) and California Verbal Learning Test-II. Results: After covarying for demographics, current medical problems, financial literacy, and a global cognition screen, financial exploitation vulnerability was negatively associated with scores on the Multilingual Naming Test, Craft Story Recall and Delayed Recall, California Verbal Learning Test-II Delayed Recall and Recognition Discriminability, Phonemic Fluency, and Trails B. Financial exploitation vulnerability was not associated with performance on Digit Span, Semantic Fluency, Benson Complex Figure Recall, or Trails A. Conclusions: Among older adults without dementia, individuals at higher risk for financial exploitation demonstrated worse verbal memory, confrontation naming, phonemic fluency, and set-shifting. These tests are generally sensitive to Default Mode Network functioning and Alzheimer's Disease neuropathology. Longitudinal studies in more impaired samples are warranted to further corroborate and elucidate these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron C Lim
- Department of Psychology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gali H Weissberger
- Department of Social and Health Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Jenna Axelrod
- Department of Psychology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Laura Mosqueda
- Department of Family Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, Alhambra, CA, USA
| | - Annie L Nguyen
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Laura Fenton
- Department of Psychology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daisy Noriega
- Department of Psychology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Camille E Erdman
- Department of Psychology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - S Duke Han
- Department of Psychology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, Alhambra, CA, USA
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Chew KA, Ponsford J, Gould KR. Addressing Cyberscams and Acquired Brain Injury ("I Desperately Need to Know What to Do"): Qualitative Exploration of Clinicians' and Service Providers' Perspectives. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e51245. [PMID: 38285489 PMCID: PMC10862246 DOI: 10.2196/51245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with acquired brain injury (ABI) may be more susceptible to scams owing to postinjury cognitive and psychosocial consequences. Cyberscams result in financial loss and debilitating psychological impacts such as shame and mistrust, interference with neurorehabilitation, and reduced independence. Despite these significant consequences, there are no psychological treatments to support cyberscam survivors. There is limited evidence regarding how the current workforce is addressing post-ABI cyberscams. OBJECTIVE This study aims to understand the perspectives and needs of clinicians and service providers in addressing post-ABI cyberscams. METHODS Overall, 20 multidisciplinary clinicians and service providers were recruited through purposive sampling across Australia. Semistructured interviews explored post-ABI scam experiences and vulnerabilities, treatments and their efficacy, and recommendations for future cybersafety recovery interventions. Reflexive thematic analysis was used. RESULTS In total, 8 themes encompassing a biopsychosocial understanding of scam vulnerabilities and impacts were identified: "genuine lack of awareness: cognitive-executive difficulties"; "not coping with the loss of it all"; "needing trust and connection"; "strong reactions of trusted others"; "nothing structured to do"; "financial stress and independence"; "cyberability"; and "scammer persuasion." Each theme informed clinical recommendations including the need to provide psychological and cognitive support, enhance financial and cybersafety skills, promote meaningful social engagement, and foster collaboration between families and clinical support teams. CONCLUSIONS The multifaceted range of scam vulnerabilities and impacts highlighted the need for individualized, comprehensive, and targeted treatments using a biopsychosocial approach to enable cyberscam recovery among people with ABI. These findings will guide the development of a co-designed intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Ann Chew
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennie Ponsford
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Rachel Gould
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Huang W, Carlew A, Vas C, De Abreu I. Scam Susceptibility: Thoughts on How to Initially Approach and Manage Patients in a Geriatric Psychiatry Setting. J Psychiatr Pract 2024; 30:73-77. [PMID: 38227732 DOI: 10.1097/pra.0000000000000762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that older adults are more vulnerable to scams because of social isolation, economic affluence, mental disorders, struggles with technology, and cognitive impairments. In this report, we present the case of a 73-year-old man who fell victim to multiple scams over 8 years, leading to a loss of more than $100,000. We also discuss approaches to managing such patients in the outpatient setting. Susceptibility to scams is considered an increasing threat to the well-being of aging societies. The complexity of the problem and the scarcity of available studies make the management of such cases challenging for clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijiao Huang
- HUANG, CARLEW, VAS, and DE ABREU: Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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Kapasi A, Schneider JA, Yu L, Lamar M, Bennett DA, Boyle PA. Association of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Pathologies With Scam Susceptibility in Older Adults. JAMA Neurol 2023; 80:49-57. [PMID: 36315115 PMCID: PMC9623479 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.3711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Importance Scam susceptibility is associated with adverse financial and health outcomes, including an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Very little is known about the role of cerebrovascular pathologies with scam susceptibility. Objective To examine the association of diverse cerebrovascular pathologies (globally and regionally) with scam susceptibility. Design, setting, and Participants This clinical-pathological cohort study included participants from 2 ongoing studies of aging that began enrollment in 1994 and 1997. In 2010, participants were enrolled in the decision-making and behavioral economics substudy and were followed up for a mean (SD) of 3.4 (2.6) years prior to death. From 1365 older persons with clinical evaluations, 69 were excluded for having dementia at baseline. From 538 older persons who died, 408 had annual assessments for scam susceptibility, cardiovascular risk burden, and cognitive function and consented to brain donation for detailed neuropathologic examination. Data were analyzed from June 2021 through September 2022. Exposures Neuropathologic examination identified the presence of macroscopic and microscopic infarcts, atherosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and common neurodegenerative pathologies (Alzheimer disease, limbic-predominant age-related transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 encephalopathy, and Lewy bodies). Results There was a total of 408 participants. The mean (SD) age at death was 91 (6.1) years, the mean (SD) amount of education was 15.6 (3.1) years, and 297 (73%) were women. Participants included 4 Latino individuals (1%), 7 non-Latino Black individuals (2%), and 397 non-Latino White individuals (97%). The frequency of participants with macroscopic infarcts was 38% (n = 154), microinfarcts was 40% (n = 163), and moderate to severe vessel disease; specifically, atherosclerosis was 20% (n = 83), arteriolosclerosis was 25% (n = 100), and cerebral amyloid angiopathy was 35% (n = 143). In linear regression models adjusted for demographics and neurodegenerative pathologies, macroscopic infarcts were associated with greater scam susceptibility (estimate [SE], 0.18 [0.07]; P = .009). This association persisted after adjusting for cardiovascular risk burden and global cognition. Regionally, infarcts localized to the frontal, temporal, and occipital lobes and thalamus were associated with greater scam susceptibility. Neither arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, nor microinfarcts were associated with scam susceptibility. Conclusions and Relevance Cerebrovascular pathologies, specifically cerebral infarcts, is linked with greater scam susceptibility in older adults, independent of common neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease. Future studies examining in vivo magnetic resonance imaging markers of cerebrovascular pathologies with scam susceptibility and related decision-making outcomes will be important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alifiya Kapasi
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Julie A. Schneider
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lei Yu
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Melissa Lamar
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - David A. Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Patricia A. Boyle
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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Guo Y, Wen T, Yue S, Zhao X, Huang K. The influence of health information attention and app usage frequency of older adults on persuasive strategies in mHealth education apps. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231167003. [PMID: 37021126 PMCID: PMC10068977 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231167003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
With the development of mobile communication technology, persuasive technology is widely used in mobile health. Using personalized persuasive strategies in mobile health education (MHE) apps can effectively improve users’ health literacy and health behaviors. The transtheoretical model explains the process of user behavior change. Different usage frequency of the app reflects changes in user behavior. However, few studies have examined how the perceived importance of persuasive strategies among older adults changes with increasing use frequency. In this study, we analyzed the sensitivity of 111 older adults in China to persuasive strategies in MHE apps. Thirteen persuasive strategies were selected for this study. A repeated measure analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) was used to demonstrate the influence of gender, health information attention and frequency of use on the sensitivity of perceived persuasive strategies among older adults. The results revealed older adults with a high usage frequency of health apps were more receptive to persuasive strategies, especially in social comparison strategy. This result may help developers consider factors such as the frequency of use by older users when designing personalized persuasive strategies for MHE apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyan Guo
- School of Art Design and Media,
East
China University of Science and Technology of Art Design and
Media, Shanghai, China
- Yongyan Guo, East China University of
Science and Technology School of Art Design and Media, 130 Meilong Road, Xuhui
District, Shanghai 200037, China.
| | - Tingting Wen
- School of Art Design and Media,
East
China University of Science and Technology of Art Design and
Media, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyu Yue
- School of Art Design and Media,
East
China University of Science and Technology of Art Design and
Media, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoran Zhao
- School of Art Design and Media,
East
China University of Science and Technology of Art Design and
Media, Shanghai, China
| | - Keke Huang
- School of Art Design and Media,
East
China University of Science and Technology of Art Design and
Media, Shanghai, China
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Ueno D, Arakawa M, Fujii Y, Amano S, Kato Y, Matsuoka T, Narumoto J. Psychosocial characteristics of victims of special fraud among Japanese older adults: A cross-sectional study using scam vulnerability scale. Front Psychol 2022; 13:960442. [PMID: 35959011 PMCID: PMC9358277 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.960442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the police preventing special fraud victimisation of older adults, both the number of cases and the amount of damage have remained high in Japan. ‘Special fraud’, in Japan, is a crime in which victims are tricked by fraudsters who through phone or postcards impersonate the victims’ relatives, employees and other associates, to dupe the victims of their cash or other valuables. The number of recognised cases of special fraud has been turned to increase in 2021. Although police or consumer affairs administrations have been conducting all-encompassing enlightenment or public education for prevention, it is also necessary to reach out to those who are vulnerable to fraud. In this study, we determine the psychosocial characteristics of victims of special fraud in Japanese older adults. We analysed the age, gender, education, residential status, household satisfaction, risk perception and scam vulnerability scale of 56 older adults aged 60 years or older (mean age: 79.34 ± 7.51 years, 49 women) who had been victims of special fraud and 99 older adults aged 60 years or older (mean age: 77.73 ± 5.69 years, 61 women) who had never been victims of special fraud. The study found that the victimised older adults were more likely to be females who live alone and go out less frequently than the non-victimised older adults. The total scores of the scam vulnerability scale were higher among the elderly victims of special fraud compared to those who had never been scammed, suggesting that the psychosocial characteristics of victims of special fraud among older adults are being female, living alone, going out infrequently, having high confidence against fraud victimisation and responding quickly to phone calls and unknown visitors. Therefore, government agencies or family members should take care of older women who meet these characteristics to reduce their contact with fraudsters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Ueno
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical School, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Daisuke Ueno,
| | - Masashi Arakawa
- Second Organized Crime Division, Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasunori Fujii
- Second Organized Crime Division, Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shoka Amano
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical School, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuka Kato
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical School, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Teruyuki Matsuoka
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical School, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jin Narumoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical School, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Financial Fraud against Older People in Hong Kong: Assessing and Predicting the Fear and Perceived Risk of Victimization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031233. [PMID: 35162252 PMCID: PMC8835379 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
While the majority of studies on the fear of crime focus on the impact of violent and property crimes at the population level, financial fraud against senior citizens is often under-investigated. This study uses data collected from 1061 older citizens in the community through a cross-sectional survey in Hong Kong to examine the levels of fear and perceived risk among Chinese senior citizens toward financial fraud and the factors behind them. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the explanatory power of four theoretical perspectives (vulnerability, victimization, social integration, and satisfaction with police) on fear and perceived risk of fraud victimization. The results indicate significant predictive effects of victimization experience and satisfaction with police fairness and integrity on both the fear and the perceived risk of fraud among respondents. The findings not only confirm the differential impact of theoretical explanations on these constructs but can also contribute to crime prevention policy and practice in an aging society.
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