Latest findings from a study of 2,046 participants over 36 years from the Florida State University found that there is no evidence to support preclinical personality changes occur prior to the onset of dementia or even in mild cognitive impairment.
Associate Professor Antonio Terracciano, at the College of Medicine stated that “We further found that personality remained stable even within the last few years before the onset of mild cognitive impairment”.
Therefore, it is important to note that personality change may not be an early sign or symptom of dementia, however personality changes should not be ignore by caregivers or clinicians. These changes can have a large inpact on the quality of care and life of the person living with dementia and their caregivers.
Original article http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2653004
Designing for Aged Care 