Do you feel like your parents are behaving stranger and stranger as they get older? That's not surprising.
Aging brings many physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. One of the most challenging aspects families may face is noticing personality changes in their elderly loved ones. While some shifts in behavior and mood are a natural part of aging, others may indicate underlying health conditions that require attention.
For families in New Holstein, Wisconsin (located between Lake Winnebago and Lake Michigan in Calumet County), understanding what's normal, what's concerning, and how to provide the best support is crucial. In this article, we'll explore why personality changes happen when to be concerned, and how families can navigate these dementia and behavior changes with compassion and care.
As seniors age, their personalities may shift due to biological, emotional, and social factors. These changes can range from mild mood swings to significant alterations in behavior. While some are harmless, others may point to issues with cognitive health in aging.
Here are some common personality changes that are common:
These shifts are generally mild and do not significantly impact a senior's relationships, independence, or daily activities.
Some changes in personality may signal underlying medical conditions, cognitive decline, or emotional distress. Families in New Holstein should watch for these red flags.
A senior who was once calm may become easily irritated, aggressive, or anxious. These sudden mood swings may indicate:
Warning Sign: Uncharacteristic anger, paranoia, or frequent emotional breakdowns.
While mild forgetfulness is common, severe memory loss and confusion could indicate cognitive decline. Seniors may:
Warning Sign: Forgetting how to use household appliances or pay bills.
If a senior who was once outgoing starts avoiding social interaction, it may signal depression, loneliness, or early-stage dementia.
Warning Sign: Preferring to stay in bed all day or not engaging in conversations.
Some seniors develop unfounded fears or beliefs, such as thinking:
Warning Sign: Frequent accusations or irrational fears.
A senior who was once responsible with their finances may:
Warning Sign: A senior suddenly spending large amounts of money or making unsafe decisions.
If a senior stops bathing, brushing their hair, or wearing clean clothes, it could indicate:
Warning Sign: Wearing dirty clothes or having a strong body odor despite previous good hygiene habits.
Are you noticing unusual behavior or personality shifts in your loved ones? Consider these common causes.
Someone in the world develops dementia every three seconds, according to Alzheimer's Disease International. This disorder is becoming more and more common and might be the reason for your loved one's personality change.
Some common symptoms are:
Personality changes worsen over time as the disease progresses.
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and withdrawal are signs of depression. Anxiety can cause excessive worry, agitation, or panic attacks.
Certain prescription drugs can cause:
Check with a doctor if you suspect a medication is affecting their behavior.
Lack of social interaction can lead to mood changes and withdrawal. Encourage seniors to participate in community activities in New Holstein. This will reduce incidences of mental health issues as well.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), strokes, or vitamin deficiencies can trigger sudden personality changes. Unexplained aggression or confusion should be checked by a doctor.
If you notice personality changes in an aging loved one, there are many steps you can take. Here's how to improve emotional wellness for seniors.
Do not get angry or upset. Express concern in a compassionate way.
Don't say, "You've been acting strange lately."
Try saying, "I've noticed you seem a little down. Is everything okay?"
Don't let them sit at home and get bored or lonely. Suggest activities like:
Rule out underlying medical conditions like dementia or depression. Ask about medication side effects.
Encourage activities that keep the brain active. These include:
If dementia or severe depression is suspected, consider contacting the following medical professionals:
It's better to have guidance from a professional rather than try to fumble through it on your own.
Personality changes in seniors can be confusing and concerning, but understanding the causes and solutions can help families in New Holstein support their loved ones effectively.
If you are searching for an assisted living community in New Holstein that can take better care of your aging parents than you can on your own, then the Lakehouse New Holstein is a good choice. Our pet-friendly community offers a wide variety of activities for residents to stay engaged, happy, and healthy.
Contact us to learn more about our community.