Peter Falk appears to be dazed and confused as he walks around Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California - 220408

The former Columbo star, 81, suffers from Alzheimer's disease and dementia, according to papers filed by Catherine Falk at Los Angeles County Superior Court.

She claims her father "requires full-time custodial care for his health and safety."

The documents further state Catherine is worried her father "can easily be deceived into transferring away property" and believes a conservatorship will protect Peter from "fraud or undue influence."

A hearing on the issue is set for next month (Jan09), reports TMZ.com.

Source: WENN