Gradual shifts in personality or behavior are natural during the aging process. Families should be concerned, however, when these changes occur suddenly, worsen, or come and go without a clear cause. Several factors can cause a senior’s personality to change.
What are normal personality changes?
Firstly, it’s important for caregivers to understand what normal personality changes include. Seniors may resist change after years of building a suitable lifestyle. Older adults who are set in their ways are unlikely to want to change and prefer the status quo.
Going through a time of deep introspection can cause some seniors to be introverted. As they reflect on their lives, these older adults may remain uncharacteristically quiet during family gatherings or social events. Caregivers should, however, be vigilant for signs of self-isolation, which is a negative outcome.
Seniors can begin to feel bouts of moodiness when they are no longer able to perform basic activities on their own as they once had. While moodiness is expected during the aging process, look out for serious mood swings, which can indicate a stroke, dementia, or depression.
Trivial matters may no longer wind up a senior, a skill developed after decades of managing personal affairs and crises. It’s normal for older people to let small irritations go. Caregivers should be worried, however, when seniors no longer find joy in the people and activities they once enjoyed.
What can cause worrisome changes?
1. Medications
Medication side effects can cause sudden changes in older adults. Anger, impulsiveness, and restlessness can abruptly come on due to the effects of asthma medications or antidepressant drugs, for instance. Behavior changes can emerge when prescription drugs interact with over-the-counter medicines.
Since aging adults fill over a dozen prescriptions per year, side effects are likely to occur, along with changes in behavior or personality. Caregivers who notice the changes should consult the senior’s physician for a medication adjustment or to determine if non-medicinal alternatives are available.
2. Vision Problems
Changes in visual perception can affect personality. Untreated cataracts or other common age-related vision conditions are often responsible for behavior changes. Serious eye conditions can cause older adults to experience hallucinations and react strangely. A vision test can help manage the changes.
3. Hearing Impairment
Hearing difficulties may cause the senior embarrassment, which leads to hiding the problem. An inability to hear conversations can cause personality shifts, such as withdrawal from social activities or defensive responses when asked about hearing. An audiologist can recommend a hearing aid to improve hearing.
4. Depression
Feelings of depression may mount when an older individual loses a beloved spouse or close friend. Furthermore, seniors whose physical capabilities change may no longer be able to connect with friends and family, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
A medical condition may trigger depression, since ill health decreases quality of life. Or, the senior may feel anxiety and stress. Symptoms can be managed with medications or therapies from licensed mental health professionals. Strong support from friends and family can also help alleviate symptoms.
5. Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias lead to memory loss and cognitive decline—which are causes of significant changes in the personality of seniors. Damage to the brain that occurs as a result of the disease can cause a loss of inhibition and even childlike behavior in dementia patients.
Noticeable personality changes that an older adult with dementia may display include anxiety, agitation, mood swings, aggression, and a lack of energy. Caregivers may witness additional changes, as well. Minor cognitive decline should not cause intense shifts in personality, however.
6. Urinary Tract Infection
Older women, especially, who develop a urinary tract infection are vulnerable to personality changes. Untreated UTIs can lead to confusion, agitation, mood swings, and forgetfulness. Symptoms of a UTI can mimic those of dementia. Prompt medical care, however, can resolve UTI symptoms.
7. Stroke
A stroke is a serious medical event, one that can leave lasting changes to senior’s personality. The parts of the brain that are responsible for decision-making, cognition, and communication may become impaired as a result of the stroke. Seek immediate medical attention if a stroke is suspected.
While slight personality changes are normal, caregivers should be concerned when major shifts become alarming, lead to harmful behavior, or interfere with the senior’s quality of life. Dramatic personality changes that have no explanation should prompt an evaluation from a medical professional.
Serious health problems can be responsible for marked changes in personality. Caregivers are urged to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to rule out possible medical conditions that may be causing the sudden changes. It’s better to err on the side of caution and discuss concerns.
When seniors develop personality changes because of a health problem, they will need extra support at home. Assisting Hands Home Care provides optimum companion care services to support the elderly. We help our care recipients complete the activities of daily living and improve their overall well-being.
If your elderly loved one needs to visit the doctor’s office, we provide transportation. Seniors who take prescription medications receive timely medication reminders from our dedicated caregivers. We also prepare meals, shop for groceries, perform light housekeeping and assess the home for fall risks.
Professional caregivers spend time becoming acquainted with seniors, taking them on safe outings, joining them in hobbies, holding pleasant conversations, and playing stimulating games, like cards or chess. Our companion care services prevent loneliness and social isolation in care recipients.
Companion care is essential to seniors who would benefit from social engagement. Assisting Hands Home Care transportation services also help elderly care recipients remain connected with their community and friends. Our home care services enhance a senior’s social health and quality of life.
Families with aging loved ones living in Sarasota, Florida, are encouraged to contact Assisting Hands Home Care for the best in local senior care. We’ll set up an in-home consultation free of charge to evaluate care needs and develop a flexible care plan. Call today at (813) 868-6782 for quality elder home care.
