CARER-RATED PERSONALITY CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH SENILE DEMENTIA

Although adult personality traits have been shown to be stable with ag e, a recent study in the USA showed changes in a group of elderly peop le with memory disorders, as perceived by caregivers. The aim of this study was to replicate these findings in individuals suffering from se nile dementia and to examine interactions with other emotional and phy sical stresses experienced by the carer. Thirty-six subjects caring fo r an elderly person with dementia were visited twice in their own home s to assess the problems they had and how they were coping with them. NEO Personality Inventories were used to identify perceived personalit y changes. Individuals with senile dementia were regarded as becoming more neurotic, less extravert and less conscientious. These personalit y changes had more effect on carer morale than the physical burden of caring.