Organic personality disorder in dementia syndromes: an inventory approach

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 1990 Summer;2(3):261-7. doi: 10.1176/jnp.2.3.261.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis*
  • Alzheimer Disease / psychology
  • Dementia, Multi-Infarct / diagnosis*
  • Dementia, Multi-Infarct / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / psychology
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Personality Disorders / psychology
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics