Aspects of Personality Traits and Changes in Different Stages of Dementia Disorders

Abstract

Personality change is part of the dementia syndrome. In this chapter, we aim to outline aspects of personality in different stages of the cognitive continuum towards dementia. Research studies suggest that personality traits may be risk/protective factors for dementia. Personality changes have been reported to appear early in the disease progress, even before the first cognitive signs. It may be part of a psychological reaction to dysfunction, but also directly related to neurodegeneration in the brain. Some cognitive disorders are associated with different patterns of personality change. Premorbid personality may be associated with the expression of behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD) in later stages of dementia. The decreased symptom insight in dementia leads to methodological difficulties when assessing personality changes. Knowledge of personality alterations in dementia may help relatives to understand these difficult changes and may be important information for clinicians and researchers to identify the early signs and distinguish between dementia disorders.