Life-span perspective of personality in dementia.

PURPOSE 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.