What does personality change mean? When you read information about dementia, this is one of the early signs that are noted in the literature. What does it look like? How do I know if it is real?
Dementia has an insidious onset. This means that you are not well today and tomorrow demonstrate the symptoms of dementia. Looking retrospectively, many families say that they saw changes in their loved one years before the formal diagnosis is made. The changes are minor initially, but as the brain becomes more dysfunctional it can no longer function normally, and the outcomes are notable by family and friends.
Some of the personality changes that can come with dementia include the following:
These are only a few of the more common symptoms of personality change. One patient left his family at functions on several occasions over a period of 5 years before he was diagnosed with dementia. The family was angry each time, and a family feud occurred, but the individual continued with the behavior. It was only after the diagnosis that the family identified the change that they saw.
Personality change can be from other causes as well. There may be neurological issues like hydrocephalus or mood disorders, but in the work up to these conditions, dementia will be ruled in or out. Proper treatment can be started, and planning begins for their long-term needs. If you have concerns about your loved one's unusual behavior, please contact me for more information.