Is your elderly loved one acting differently than they normally do? There are a range of health issues that could cause personality changes in the elderly. One of the diseases that could cause these types of changes is dementia. If you concerned that your elderly loved one could have dementia, it is important to learn all you can about the personality changes related to this disease today.
Threatening and Aggressive Behaviors
Have you or a senior care provider noticed that your elderly loved one is becoming increasingly threatening or aggressive? Have they screamed at you, their senior care provider, or others in their life? Are they hitting, kicking, or punching someone? Do they throw things? If your elderly loved one is doing any of these things and they have dementia, they might be frustrated, bored, or in pain.
Anxiety
Does your elderly loved one seem overly anxious? Have they had an anxiety or panic attack? Do they talk very fast or try to get out of certain situations? If so, and they have dementia, they could be scared or worried about something.
Experiencing Apathy
Have you or a senior care provider noticed that your loved one is experiencing apathy? This means that they don’t desire to do a particular thing that they used to do. For instance, is your elderly loved one suddenly uninterested in taking care of their personal hygiene? If so, they could be frustrated, confused, or experiencing another emotion that is causing this disinterest.
Delirium, Hallucinations, and Delusions
If your elderly loved one is experiencing delirium, hallucinations, and/or delusions, they might be scared or confused. It is important to do what you can to help them. First, you may want to schedule them an appointment with their doctor, especially if this is new for them. The doctor might prescribe medication to help with these symptoms. There might be other recommendations that the doctor has for your elderly loved one, as well.
Conclusion
It is important that you are able to recognize the personality changes that could occur if your elderly loved one has dementia. There are so many things that a person with dementia goes through. As the disease gets worse, your elderly loved one might have even more personality changes. This disease can’t be cured, but you and senior care providers can try to help your loved one feel better in the meantime.
Keep in mind that if your elderly loved one is having severe symptoms, you should speak to their doctor as soon as possible.
Sources
