Life‐Span Perspective of Personality in Dementia

Abstract

To propose an alternative view of personality change in dementia by presenting existing evidence for the continuity of personality. Significance : As the population continues to age, dementing illnesses will account for a greater proportion of morbidity and mortality; the care of these people will have a significant effect on the health care system. Organizing Framework : Life-span perspective of personality continuity. Scope, Method : Review of current literature on personality in dementia using Medline, 1980–1994; CINAHL, 1990–1994; and Psych Lit, 1980–1994. Findings : Although there are systematic shifts in personality with dementia, individuals tend to maintain their unique pattern of premorbid personality traits. Conclusions : The personalities of dementia patients seem to reflect adaptive patterns that served them in the past. Implications : Use of a life-span perspective can enhance individualized care for demented patients and advance theory development