Alzheimer’s Disease and Personality Changes
One of the most distressing aspects of Alzheimer’s disease is the complete personality change
“This is especially distressing for the relatives and friends of the person with Alzheimer’s. The general behavior and personality of someone with Alzheimer’s often seems to be in complete contrast to typical behavior exhibited throughout the patient’s life,” says Barbara Jones.
Another facet of personality change due to Alzheimer’s disease is the occasional emergence of an underlying feature of the person’s character
For instance, previously unnoticed spiteful traits can be revealed. There is also a common tendency in Alzheimer’s disease, mainly in the later stages, for anxiety, nervousness
Many Alzheimer’s sufferers retain their personality, albeit with accompanying memory loss and orientation problems. However, others can exhibit varying mood swings which can fluctuate from being ecstatically happy to very sad.
In the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, these underlying traits can become very prominent and problematic. For example, combating verbal aggression or continuing anxiety may require continuous reassurance from caregivers and friends.
Very often personal hygiene
It is common for the person with Alzheimer’s to leave the toilet before they are entirely finished or to be inefficient in cleaning after relieving themselves. Therefore, odor as well as soiled clothes and hands can be problematic. Undressing in public and inadvertent genital exhibition or fondling can also become a problem if not carefully monitored. It can be a source of untold embarrassment to relatives and caregivers.
It is important for caregivers and relatives to take into account that the acts of soiling or untoward behavior need to addressed while remembering the value of maintaining the patient’s dignity at all times. Dignity is a very precious commodity when suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, as their dignity is often all they have remaining.
About The Author
Barbara Jones contributes to several online magazines, including http://healthy-line.com and http://info-healthy.com.
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My husband has frontotemporal dementia and exhibits many of these changes/behaviours. It was teue for my Dad who had Alzheimer’s.
Thank you for your excellent column.
What about alcohol? I know my wife would be better off without it, But I hesitate to deprive her of one of her few pleasures in life. She doesn’t get drunk and drinks in moderation although earlier I never the day.
One more thing. We both acknowledge her short term memory loss, but I have never mentioned the words demitasse or Alzheimer’s. Should I confront her or continue skirting the dire truth?
Thanks again.
Gerry,
That is a good question, (whether to probe or back-off on some questions.) I think the answer depends on the person. You probably know her better than anyone. If you don’t think it would hurt, share your thoughts. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t mention it.
My daughter will often ask me things and sometimes preface it with… “you don’t have to tell me Mom, if you don’t want to.” I know she’s being kind and your wife will know you are too.
No one will know better than you, with or without Alzheimer’s. You might say something like… “Are you concerned about your memory?” If she says “No.” Then you have your answer. She probably doesn’t want to know.
Take care Gerry,
Sandy
My husband has been having lots of these symptoms,hygiene,constantly saying same thing over and over,aggression. Etc but I can’t get a diagnosis as he won’t go to doctor. Had a stroke 6yrs ago and has a bad back,complains all the time of pain but as I’ve said no doctors.
Ina,
Oh, I’m sorry you are under that stress. I think you’re right. Those are some symptoms of early Alzheimer’s. He really should go to a doctor though. It could be something else entirely, that could be treated.
You’re doing the best you can to get him to a doctor. You can’t force him there. If he has Alzheimer’s they go through many stages and in a few weeks, he may decide he should see a doctor. If you have a family doctor, you might talk with him and see if he knows a way that he could help you.
Take care and keep encouraging him to see a physician.
Sandy
Oh I’m sorry x you may have to get the doctor in about his back, you could discuss with the doctor before so he’s aware before he sees your husband. It could be vascular dementia as he’s had a stroke, in that case he may need medication so he really does need to see a doctor for his own well-being. An accurate diagnosis is vital for further treatment and then you’ll be more aware of what to expect and get the proper support. Love and prayers to you both x
I m feeling like I am slowly losing my memory. Of course I always forget where I kept my own thing but now I feel like nothing is important or I forget what I was just going to say , sometimes I have difficulty remembering words. Is it possible to happen to me ? I m not even 40 but I have a feeling I’m losing my memories. Please help!
Peldon, I’m not a physician so I have no way of knowing for sure, but you would be very young to have Alzheimer’s. There are tests, though, so they can check to see if it is early-onset Alzheimer’s. It’s very important that you visit a physician. Besides Alzheimer’s, there are other things that could affect your memory.
The first testing for Alzheimer’s can be a simple word quiz. Nothing to fear. I hope you visit your own physician and share the feelings and problems you are having with your doctor.
Take care and let us know how you are doing,
Sandy
My father who was suffering from diabetes started slowly losing his speech and now he doesn’t remember how to write even. He has become like a child and gets angry often. It’s very sad to see your parents falling apart slowly like this.
… You are so right. It is very sad to watch this happen to a loved one. Occasionally they do lose speech, which is called “aphasia.” Essentially, they do become like young children again. Alzheimer’s is like unwinding the mind and returning to their youth.
I understand your sadness. My Mom passed away in 2007. It is very sad to love someone so much and watch this happen to them.
Take care of yourself and be strong,
Sandy
My father’s nuerologist was able to give him medication starting at a low dose to calm his anxiety it helped with the anger. It was frustration causing anxiety, which caused anger. Good luck.
Sylvia, I’m so glad the medication helped your father. I waited so long with my Mom, didn’t realize medicine could help. Yes, you are right it is frustration and it’s wonderful that small doses can help us cope with this disease now.
Thank you for sharing,
Sandy
I’m dealing with my Mother in my home. She has mod Alzheimer’s & she has really started to get mean. She has also started to have TIA’s. I don’t know what to do. I can’t keep her in my home much longer but she doesn’t have enough money to pay for a assisted living facility. This article tells exactly the problems I’ve been having with her.
Hello Brenda,
Oh I’m sorry for your situation. It is can be really distressing, especially if they are angry or act-out.
Has she seen her doctor recently? Sometimes they may have a physical problem; UTI, etc., but they don’t realize what the problem is. It just makes them angry instead.
If there are no physical problems, sometimes a physician can prescribe a small sedative, just to calm them.
It sounds ridiculous but a bowl of chicken soup would calm my Mom. Sometimes we just never know what will work.
I’ll post your question on our blog at Facebook as well and we’ll get more opinions or ideas of things that might help with your Mom. http://www.facebook.com/AlzheimersSupport
Our prayers are with you, Brenda,
Sandy
I’m caring for my father who has Alzheimer and can’t afford a nursing home either. Our nuerologist gave me a book called The 36 hour day, it helped us immensely cope and pointed us in the right direction. It also explains many of the unexplained behaviours he had. It may help you.
Just want to say what a great blog you got here!
I’ve been around for quite a lot of time, but finally decided to show my appreciation of your work!
Thumbs up, and keep it going!
Cheers
Christian, iwspo.net
I’m glad you found that article helpful. Personality Changes by the Alzheimers Patient can be very disturbing.
Thank you for visiting…
Sandy