Addressing Financial Abuse and Fraud Among Older Adults with Dementia: An Integrative Review of Prevention and Intervention Programs

As adults aged 65 years and older are projected to represent 22% of the U.S. population by 2040, the number of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD)—a group at an increased risk of financial abuse and fraud—is expected to increase. Effective prevention and intervention programs are essential components of efforts to reduce financial abuse and fraud. Against this backdrop, the purpose of this study is to identify and summarize research evidence regarding the practice and policy efforts devoted to preventing and addressing financial abuse or fraud among older adults with ADRD through an integrative review. We searched nine databases (e.g., PsycInfo, MedLine, and Criminal Justice Databases) on 5 October 2021 and identified 30 studies for full-text review. We find that while there is growing attention among researchers to financial fraud and abuse among older adults with ADRD, relatively little scholarship focuses specifically on prevention practices and policies targeting this population. We also identify research gaps and make suggestions for future research.