A M Kolanowski1, A L Whall. 1. Department of Nursing, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA., USA.
Abstract
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.
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 dementiapatients 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.