As Alzheimer’s progresses into the middle stages of dementia, most people can still read, but typically this ability will gradually decline over time. This can vary, with some people with mid-stage dementia being able to continue to enjoy reading, especially if it’s been a life-long habit.

Can someone with dementia sign legal documents?

Yes, a person with dementia may be able to sign legal documents. The inability to sign documents (what is usually known in the law as “incompetence” or, sometimes, “incapacity”) is a factual issue. The most highly-developed law of capacity, unsurprisingly, centers on the level of understanding required to sign a will.

Is difficulty reading a sign of dementia?

For some people, vision problems are a sign of Alzheimer’s. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving.

Can dementia patients sign over their house?

A person with dementia may need to sign other documents like a deed, a power of attorney, a health care proxy, a contract for sale, etc. Legal practitioners generally agree that the standard of ability to sign such documents is slightly greater than for a will or trust.

Can a person with dementia sign a legal document?

Yes, a person with dementia may be able to sign legal documents. The inability to sign documents (what is usually known in the law as “incompetence” or, sometimes, “incapacity”) is a factual issue.

Is the Form 1040 valid if signed by both spouses?

In fact, the IRS Instructions warn that a Form 1040 is invalid unless signed by both taxpayers. In a recent case, Alice and Phil Coggin were married until his death in 2011. On November 25, 2009, Mr. Coggin filed married-filing-jointly tax returns for the 2002 through 2007 tax years on behalf of himself and Ms. Coggin.

Can a person with dementia file a tax return?

In these situations, if the tax information is to be shared, he files IRS Form 7216 giving him permission to share the tax return with other family members or the taxpayer’s attorney (see the AICPA article New Tax Preparer Rules for Disclosure and Use of Tax Return Information (PDF)).

How does it feel when your spouse has dementia?

Although a spouse with dementia may not visibly appear sick, this person is suffering from memory loss and confusion. Watching your spouse’s mental abilities deteriorate may be difficult. You may feel uncertain about how to help your spouse with dementia and how to adjust to this major life change.