Personality Changes Predict Dementia

Ivanhoe Newswire
Wednesday, May 30, 2007; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Subtle personality changes that occur years before memory problems begin might signal the development of a form of dementia often confused with Alzheimer's disease.

According to researchers who followed 290 people until they died, those who displayed passive personality changes at the beginning of the study -- like a diminished emotional response, repetitive behaviors, lack of interest in hobbies, and lack of interest in life -- were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies.

Overall, up to 75 percent of people with that form of dementia had exhibited passive personality changes at the beginning of the research, compared to just 45 percent of those who ended up with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. These traits were often associated with visual and auditory hallucinations as well, which are hallmarks of the condition.

Separating dementia with Lewy bodies patients from Alzheimer's patients is important, note the investigators, because some of the drugs prescribed to treat Alzheimer's disease can be deadly for people with dementia with Lewy bodies. Early identification of people likely to progress to this form of dementia can ensure doctors prescribe appropriate medications and can also help families begin the long process of coping with a loved one with the disease.

"Identifying the earliest features of dementia may enable doctors to begin therapy as soon as possible," study author James E. Galvin, M.D., M.P.H., of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, was quoted as saying. "This will become increasingly important as newer, potentially disease-modifying medications are developed."

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: Neurology, published online May 28, 2007