There can be many reasons behind these changes, and it’s important to take the time to understand them. In this article, I’ll walk you through what these shifts might look like and the possible causes behind them. Knowing how to address these behavioral and personality changes will help you reduce stress, promote safety, and nourish your bond with your parents which might get sacrificed in these challenging times.
What Causes a Change in Personality?
These are the potential causes of personality or behavioral change in elders.
1. Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease:
Conditions like Alzheimer’s can lead to low energy, anxiety, agitation, or a loss of inhibition. If you notice these changes, talk to a doctor. They can suggest treatments and tips like sticking to routines to help reduce stress.
2. Depression:
Loneliness and isolation are often linked to depression. Depression in older adults can be due to health issues (stroke, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease etc). However, it can be managed by consulting a mental health professional and engaging in different social activities.
3. Hearing Difficulties:
We understand things better when we hear them clearly. However, in old age, hearing often becomes impaired for various reasons. When this happens, it can lead to frustration, causing your loved ones to withdraw from social gatherings and avoid visits with friends or family. Over time, they may lose interest in social interactions altogether.
Here’s why you should pay attention to your parents’ hearing health:
My grandfather is 82 years old and experiences hearing difficulties due to his age. Whenever our relatives or friends visit, he chooses not to join them. When we asked him why, he explained:
I cant hear what you guys are talking about. so, there is no use of me to sit in between.
This is a serious issue, especially considering the age factor. It deeply impacts their mental well-being as supported by research. This leaves them feeling isolated even in gatherings, as they cannot actively participate in conversations.
4. Side Effects of Medications:
Your parents might be taking multiple medicines in a day. Ironically it can cause confusion and irritability. If you think this might be the case, consult their doctor about adjusting doses or exploring alternatives.
5. Physical Health Issues:
Physical health issues such as strokes, chronic illnesses, neurological disorders, or changes in brain structure can have a significant impact on your parent’s personality. The burden of dealing with pain, reduced social interaction, loss of independence, and cognitive changes can take a toll on their well-being. These challenges often manifest as noticeable changes in their behavior or personality.
6. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
During infections such as UTIs, the body reacts by releasing chemicals to fight the infection, which causes inflammation. This inflammation often results in symptoms like fatigue and fever. In older adults, inflammation can also affect the brain, leading to delirium. This may manifest as confusion, sudden mood swings, and agitation.
7. Vision Problems and Hallucinations:
Sometimes vision problems can contribute to behavioral and personality changes. Eye conditions like cataracts can lead to confusion, anxiety, and frustration, all of which can affect your loved ones’ quality of life and independence.
If you observe something unusual, take the time to identify and connect the cause by analyzing all the factors discussed here. The changes you notice could result from a combination of one or more causes. It’s always best to consult a doctor and openly communicate anything that concerns you.
Signs to Look for:
Being observant helps you notice subtle things happening around you. To identify changes in your parents’ mood, cognition, and personality, it’s important to pay close attention. These changes may have been present for some time, but you might have overlooked them simply because you didn’t know what to watch for. Here are some key signs to keep an eye on:
- Unexpected or frequent shifts in mood, including irritability, sadness, or restlessness.
- Not engaging in social gatherings or showing hesitation to connect with others.
- Shifts in actions, such as increased impulsiveness, aggressiveness, and lack of enthusiasm.
- Struggling with memory, feeling confused, or finding it difficult to make decisions.
- Confusion about time and place
- Accusing others of stealing something (paranoia)
- Abrupt change in eating patterns
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
How Can You Tell If Behavioral and Personality Changes Are Normal?
As your loved ones age, it’s natural to see some changes in their behavior or personality. But it’s important to understand what’s a normal part of growing older and what might be a sign of something more serious.
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Final Thoughts:
Human behavior is complex, and understanding it requires thought and awareness of what you’re dealing with. Identifying the root of the problem is always the best approach. This will help you better understand what your parents are experiencing and what strategies you can use to help them navigate these behavioral and personality challenges.
FAQ’s
1. What are the behavioral changes in elderly people?
Common behavioral changes include increased irritability, withdrawal from social activities, forgetfulness, mood swings, aggression, and repetitive actions.
2. How does personality change in old age?
Personality changes in old age can include becoming more cautious, emotional, or introverted. These changes may stem from health issues, life experiences, or reduced social interaction.
3. What psychological changes are common in the elderly?
Psychological changes often include anxiety, depression, increased stress sensitivity, memory loss, and difficulty adjusting to life changes like retirement or loss of loved ones.
4. What do you call a person who changes their personality?
A person who changes their personality is often referred to as having Dissociative Identity Disorder. It is a mental health condition in which contrasting personalities reside in one person and control behavior at different times. When personality shifts occur, a person may feel memory lapses.
5. How to deal with an angry elderly parent?
Stay calm, listen without interrupting, and try to understand the cause of their anger. Speak softly, validate their feelings, and redirect focus if needed. If anger persists, consider seeking professional help to address underlying issues.
