Personality traits in women with Alzheimer's disease: Comparisons with control groups with the NEO-FFI

Abstract

This research is geared towards the evaluation of current and pre-morbid personality traits in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), as well as personality changes. The study was conducted with four groups to whom were administered the NEO-FFI, mainly in the form of individual interviews. Two groups for the current personality measurement: AD Group, consisting of 44 female participants (M=81.36years of age); and Control Group, consisting of 80 female participants from the population at large (M=75.84years of age). Two groups for the pre-morbid personality measurement: AD Group Informants, relatives of the AD participants (n=40); and Control Group Informants, relatives of the other participants (n=42). Results are in line with the literature review and provide new research data. Current and pre-morbid personality traits are identified and some are analyzed as accentuations of previously existing characteristics, reflecting a possible continuum. An increase in the Neuroticism and a decrease in the Conscientiousness were confirmed as personality changes. This study suggests that there is stability across the life cycle in the negative expression of Openness to Experience and Agreeableness traits. Interpretation of the data and their implications for Dementia personality research are the object of the discussion.