Does Alzheimer's Disease Affect Personality?

Alzheimer's disease can affect memory (both short-term and long-term), word-finding abilities, and the decision-making ability of the person with the disease. But, does Alzheimer's change someone's basic personality? The answer? Sometimes. In some cases, the person who has always been easy-going, gentle and caring remains so, even as Alzheimer's progresses into the middle and later stages. Others with Alzheimer's develop significant changes in their personality which can make it especially difficult for family and friends to cope with and watch. It can feel like their loved one is being taken away from them but by bit. Remembering that these changes in personality are due to the disease (which actually changed the physical structure of the brain) can be helpful, rather than interpreting challenging behaviors as deliberate actions designed to hurt or frustrate others. Learn more about the causes of these personality changes and how to cope with them here: Personality Changes in Dementia.Does Alzheimer's Disease Affect Personality? originally appeared on About.com Alzheimers Disease on Sunday, April 21st, 2013 at 23:50:40.Permalink | Comment | Email this
Source: About Alzheimers Disease - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news