The statistics on dementia rates are stark with almost 35% of 85-year-olds being afflicted. The reason annuities can prevent financial mistakes is simple: With an immediate annuity, investors receive a steady check every month. While they can always opt to spend that money on something frivolous, it is difficult–if not impossible–to obtain access to the principal used to purchase the annuity in the first place. As a result, those with annuities are less susceptible to blowing all of their money in a financial fraud or unsuitable investment according to a recent story at www.SmartMoney.com