Personality Changes−A Symptom of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on October 11, 2017

Personality Changes−A Symptom of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias

Most individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (Lewy Body Dementia, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and dementias associated with Huntington’s Disease or Parkinson’s Disease) exhibit a series of common behavioral symptoms related to a decline in cognitive functioning. These symptoms include memory loss, impaired judgment, difficulty with speaking and communicating (struggles with word retrieval and comprehension along with a repetition of language), general confusion, and overall problems in every day living.

However, personality changes are sometimes a symptom as well. Often seeing these personality changes in your loved one is very frustrating and something that is difficult to cope with. You don’t want to talk about it. You don’t know how to handle it. You might choose to see the person less often.

It is hoped that by understanding what these common personality changes are and learning about their probable causes, that this will help you to better respond to your loved one. This will also hopefully allow you to continue your relationship in the best way possible.

What personality changes are most commonly associated with dementias?

• Negativity – Daily living is approached from the perspective that nothing seems right and there is an increase of negative thoughts and verbiage that reflect this.
• Anger and hostility – Likewise, there may be a lot of anger and hostility in daily happenings from having to get up out of bed and shower to the meal menus and the choices of activities and individuals that they encounter.
• Inappropriate language and tone – Profanity and sexual overtones are evident in communications and actions.
• Apathy – A lack of feeling, emotion, interest and concern is evident; there may be indifference and what is seen as a loss of meaning in their life.

What causes these personality changes?

The Alzheimer’s/dementia patient has differing degrees of damage and loss to their brain neurons. Once these brain cells are impaired, the cells are unable to function with the other brain cells which then causes dysfunction. This causes overall confusion and frustration. It makes day-to-day living difficult.

In addition to the brain dysfunction, anxiety, fear, depression, a possible reaction to routine prescribed medicines, and other medical conditions and/or any combination of these factors can contribute to these personality changes.

What can you do as a friend, relative or caregiver to cope with these personality changes?

• It is important to keep reminding yourself that these personality changes are due to the disease itself. Keep in mind, too, that the patient is not purposely trying to get you upset or hurt your feelings. Instead, smile and laugh it off; then try to forget about it.
• Try to understand the feelings of the individual while they express themselves with words and actions and ignore the actual words and actions. Instead, ask yourself:  What are they trying to express? Why are they saying this? Why are they doing this?
• Know that it is better to use redirection and distraction with the individual instead of any reasoning or explanations. Maintain eye contact or place a hand on their shoulder, show genuine empathy, and gently change the subject. Acknowledge their words and actions, but redirect and distract towards something more positive.
• Reflect on the personality change that you see. If you determine it is quite sudden or out of the ordinary, then contact the physician to discuss further. If the personality disorder is causing harm in any way to the individual or others (either physically or mentally), then contact the physician as well.
• Don’t be afraid to reach out for help and support. The journey is long, but others will join you on that journey.

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are difficult enough to deal with. The added personality changes don’t make it any easier. Approach these personality changes with confidence and the ease that it is not your loved one who is choosing to manifest these words and actions; it is the disease itself. Get more professional help through the physician if needed. Dismiss the negative words, demeanor, and behaviors the best you can, and in turn, show the compassion, care and respect that any human deserves to your loved one.

The journey is long, but others will join you. Keep that message close.

Seek Help from Senior Living Link Today

When the difficult aspects of Alzheimer's disease begin to affect your loved one, rely on Senior Living Link. We can help determine the best next steps to ensure your loved one gets the care they need. Contact us today to learn more.