8. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities: The Behavioral Shift in Mixed Dementia
Individuals with mixed dementia might begin to withdraw from work or social activities that they once enjoyed. This could involve showing less interest in hobbies, avoiding social interactions, or shying away from sports or games. They may become passive, spending much time sleeping or in front of the TV.
This change in behavior and personality often stems from the combination of physical changes in the brain and the psychological impact of dealing with the disease. The cognitive difficulties they face can make social situations stressful and intimidating, leading to withdrawal.
Damage to the frontal lobes, responsible for personality and behavior, can lead to such changes. Both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia can cause damage to these brain areas, leading to personality changes and withdrawal from activities.
In Alzheimer’s, the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles disrupts brain function, leading to these symptoms. In vascular dementia, a lack of blood flow to the brain can cause similar issues.(8)
