Personality Changes in Seniors: Causes and When to Be Concerned

Have you noticed your loved one becoming more forgetful, irritable, or withdrawn? They may be experiencing personality changes, which can be alarming and confusing. While some symptoms are normal with age, others are signs of an underlying issue.

Understanding the leading causes of personality changes and the signs to look for can ensure your loved one gets the necessary care. It can also allow you to reevaluate their living options to guarantee their safety and comfort.

Let's discuss common causes of personality changes and when to get help.

Dementia and Cognitive Decline

Reduced cognitive abilities are a sign of dementia, which is a leading cause of personality changes in older adults. Common dementia symptoms include:

• Increased irritability
• Poor decision making
• Paranoia

If your loved one has dementia, they may start snapping at other seniors in assisted living in Venice. Besides, they could lose patience quickly and get angry at things that didn't bother them before.

Cognitive decline may also influence them to make poor decisions like:

• Ignoring their bills
• Making significant purchases
• Giving away large amounts of money

Dementia can cause your loved one to believe false things. They might think family members are stealing from them or someone is trying to harm them. They could also accuse your or their caregivers in memory care in Venice, FL, of taking their favorite items.

In reality, they may have misplaced them, and since their brain isn't working as they used to, their first reaction might be distrust instead of searching for the items.

Depression and Anxiety

The National Council on Aging reports that one in every four older adults will experience mental health issues in their lifetime. Despite the relationship between aging and mental health, about two-thirds of seniors with such conditions don't get the needed treatment.

If a loved one in Venice, FL, is struggling with loss and change, they may experience depression and anxiety. These conditions can lead to noticeable personality changes like:

• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Avoiding social outings
• Sadness

Did your loved one enjoy playing at Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club but no longer seem interested? Did they look forward to concerts at Venice Performing Arts Center or love walking along Venice Beach but have suddenly stopped?

They may be suffering from mental health conditions, causing them to no longer enjoy these activities or want to isolate themselves.

When your loved one is constantly feeling down or hopeless, they may have depression. The condition can cause them to avoid conversations and sleep more than usual instead of participating in their favorite activities.

Luckily, caregivers in assisted living in Venice can detect these changes and inform you. They may also offer personalized activities and therapy to boost your loved one's emotional well-being.

Medications

Older adults often take several medications to manage health issues, but some can cause mood changes in seniors. Here are some categories that may affect your loved one's personality:

• Painkillers
• Sleep aids
• Blood pressure medications

Opioids and other strong pain medications can help your loved one manage pain and recover from surgery. However, they may also cause the following changes:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Depression

Sleep aids may lead to irritability, anxiety, and grogginess. Your loved one could also appear emotionally distant or lack energy for their favorite activities after using blood pressure medication.

Physical Health Issues

The following medical conditions may lead to mood changes in seniors:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Thyroid disorders
• Vitamin B12 deficiency

While UTIs are mainly known for the discomfort they cause, they can lead to confusion in older adults, too. Thyroid disorders may also make your loved one depressed or cause them to lack energy.

Vitamin B12 is crucial for brain health, but many seniors don't consume enough of it, leading to personality changes such as:

• Forgetfulness
• Mood swings
• Confusion

Independent living in Venice, FL, can help your loved one meet their dietary needs. Sensations chefs will prepare delicious and well-balanced meals to prevent deficiencies.

When to Be Concerned About Personality Changes in Your Loved One

Some senior behavioral changes are minor and may only show up once in a while. However, since some might be signs of serious health issues, you should know when to take action.

Look out for the following issues:

• Drastic personality shifts
• Paranoia or hallucinations
• Prolonged irritability

It's normal for your loved one to feel down sometimes, but if they have lasting sadness, they could be depressed. Without immediate attention, depression may affect their quality of life and damage relationships.

Watch out for signs of mental health decline, such as:

• Crying often
• Losing interest in activities they enjoyed
• Talking about feeling like a burden
• Expressing suicidal thoughts

If you notice such symptoms, get your loved one counseling and enroll them in a senior-friendly community in Venice.

How Senior Living Communities in Venice, FL, Can Help

Once your loved one's personality changes, you may not know how to assist them. Luckily, senior living communities in Venice offer structured routines to reduce anxiety. They also provide socialization opportunities through senior book clubs and games.

Other ways such communities can help a loved one with personality changes include:

• Boosting cognitive function with engaging activities
• Providing personalized care for mental and physical health conditions
• Managing medication to control health issues
• Enhancing physical health with regular exercise

Residing in a Venice senior living community allows your loved one to explore fun activities in the neighborhood. For example, they can attend a live performance at the Venice Theatre, which offers senior-friendly entertainment.

They could also tour the Venice Museum and Archives to learn about local history. These activities will provide structure and engagement, which can control some causes of personality changes.

Get Personalized Care for Your Loved One at Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe

Noticing personality changes in a loved one is often worrying, but understanding the possible cause allows you to take the proper steps.

Watch out for common behavioral changes like agitation, confusion, and depression, and consult your loved one's doctor. Further, find an active and supportive senior living community to ensure their happiness and safety.

Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe provides practical and holistic care for seniors in Venice. We create a supportive environment by building personal bonds with our residents and their families. Contact us today.