Carer‐rated personality changes associated with senile dementia

Williams, Rhoda, Briggs, Roger and Coleman, Peter (1995) Carer‐rated personality changes associated with senile dementia. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 10 (3), 231-236. (doi:10.1002/gps.930100309).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Although adult personality traits have been shown to be stable with age, a recent study in the USA showed changes in a group of elderly people with memory disorders, as perceived by caregivers. The aim of this study was to replicate these findings in individuals suffering from senile dementia and to examine interactions with other emotional and physical stresses experienced by the carer. Thirty‐six subjects caring for an elderly person with dementia were visited twice in their own homes to assess the problems they had and how they were coping with them. NEO Personality Inventories were used to identify perceived personality changes. Individuals with senile dementia were regarded as becoming more neurotic, less extravert and less conscientious. These personality changes had more effect on carer morale than the physical burden of caring.

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