10. Changes in Mood or Personality: The Emotional Flux of Mixed Dementia
Changes in mood or personality are common in mixed dementia and can often be quite distressing for both the individuals suffering and their loved ones. Affected individuals may exhibit a range of emotional changes, such as increased confusion, suspicion, fear, anxiety, or depression. They may also show quick mood changes, becoming easily upset in familiar places, at work, or with friends.
Understanding these emotional shifts necessitates a look at the frontal lobes, the brain areas responsible for controlling our emotions and behavior. These regions are often affected by Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, the two primary conditions contributing to mixed dementia.
In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles can cause significant damage to the neurons in the frontal lobes. This damage can lead to alterations in mood and personality.
Likewise, vascular dementia can contribute to these changes. Here, decreased blood flow to the brain due to strokes can cause damage to the emotional centers, leading to mood changes.
These personality and mood changes can be among the most challenging aspects of mixed dementia to manage. Nevertheless, understanding these changes as symptoms of the disease can help both patients and caregivers better cope with them. It is crucial to seek professional help when these symptoms start to interfere with the person’s daily life and relationships. (10)
