Personality alterations were investigated in patients with dementia of
the Alzheimer type (DAT), multi-infarct dementia (MID), and normal control
subjects, using a standardized informant-rated personality inventory.
Personality alterations were observed in all patients, and the two
diagnostic groups exhibited many similar behavioral alterations. DAT
patients had significantly greater alterations in maturity and exhibited
less personal control compared with the MID patients; the latter manifested
more apathy and remained more affectionate and easy-going. Few correlations
were found between the severity of dementia and the magnitude of behavioral
changes. Personality alterations are an important and consistent aspect of
the phenomenology of dementing disorders.Abstract Teaser