Abstract
This study considers the influence of premorbid personality on the expression of behavioral disturbances among individuals with dementia. A total of 68 outpatients with a diagnosis of dementia were assessed for current cognitive functioning, premorbid personality traits, and new behavioral disturbances since dementia onset. The results of this study show some evidence for the influence of personality on the expression of both irritability and withdrawal. Specifically, increased withdrawal and irritability after dementia onset were associated with an inhibited premorbid personality style. In addition, a premorbidly independent personality style was associated with less withdrawal. Further research is needed to clarify the role of premorbid personality on behaviors in this population.
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