Can personality influence the development of dementia?

Certain personality traits have been found to be related to certain risk factors that can contribute to the development of dementia.

Individuals with high levels of neuroticism and low levels of conscientiousness have been found to engage in more risky behaviours such as smoking, consuming alcohol and minimal exercise, and these risky health behaviours are known to be associated with dementia. A change in personality may also be seen as an early sign of dementia, especially when paired with an increase in aggressiveness, apathy and impaired emotional control.

Therefore, personality is something that should be considered when determining at-risk individuals in society.