The Progression of Personality Changes in Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type

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Abstract
Passive, agitated, and self‐centered behavioral changes were noted on initial evaluation in two‐thirds, one‐third, and one‐third, respectively, of subjects with mild senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (SDAT). Over a 50‐month follow‐up period, the percentage of patients who exhibited agitated and self‐centered behaviors doubled. The percentage of subjects who demonstrated all three behavioral changes increased from 11% at entry to the study (mild SDAT) to over 50% when the dementia had reached a severe stage. The presence of personality changes at a mild stage of dementia did not predispose subjects to more rapid progression to a more advanced stage of illness.