Daughter says Falk has Alzheimer's

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Catherine Falk says her father, Hollywood screen icon Peter Falk, is suffering from Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and needs full-time custodial care.

TMZ said Catherine Falk claimed in court papers filed in Los Angeles Superior Court that her father "requires full-time custodial care for his health and safety."

She also said she is concerned the actor "can easily be deceived into transferring away property" and thinks a conservatorship would protect him from "fraud or undue influence."

TMZ said a hearing in the case is scheduled for next month.

The entertainment news Web site also said Peter Falk's representatives did not return its calls seeking a comment for its story.

Falk, 81, is best known for his work in the films "Pocketful of Miracles," "Robin and the 7 Hoods," "The Great Race" and "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," as well as for his portrayal of the titular sleuth on TV's "Columbo."