Practical judgment-critical for evaluating risks and making sound decisions-declines early in the cognitive impairment spectrum, according to new research.
In a study of 93 community-dwelling older adults, those with mild cognitive impairment showed significantly worse practical judgment than cognitively unimpaired peers. Researchers used both objective testing and informant reports to assess real-world decision-making abilities.
Poorer judgment strongly correlated with higher scam engagement, as reported by informants. This connection underscores practical judgment as a frontline defense against financial exploitation and loss of independence.
Brain imaging revealed a key neurobiological link: stronger structural connectivity in the uncinate fasciculus-the white matter pathway connecting right temporal and frontal brain regions-was associated with better judgment across all participants.
The findings suggest that assessing practical judgment could help identify at-risk older adults earlier, enabling timely interventions to preserve autonomy and safety.