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Sociopathic behavior and dementia

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Abstract

The maintenance of appropriate social behavior is a very complex process with many contributing factors. Social and moral judgments rely on the proper functioning of neural circuits concerned with complex cognitive and emotional processes. Damage to these systems may lead to distinct social behavior abnormalities. When patients present with dysmoral behavior for the first time, as a change from a prior pervasive pattern of behavior, clinicians need to consider a possible, causative brain disorder. The aim is to explore sociopathy as a manifestation of dementia. We searched electronic databases and key journals for original research and review articles on sociopathy in demented patients using the search terms “sociopathy, acquired sociopathy, sociopathic behavior, dementia, and personality”. In conclusion, dementia onset may be heralded by changes in personality including alteration in social interpersonal behavior, personal regulation, and empathy. The sociopathy of dementia differs from antisocial/psychopathic personality disorders.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurology Unit, Versilia Hospital, via Aurelia, 55043, Lido di Camaiore, Lucca (Lu), Italy

    Gabriele Cipriani, Marcella Vedovello & Angelo Nuti

  2. Department of Sociology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

    Gemma Borin

  3. Psychiatry Unit, Versilia Hospital, Via Aurelia, Lido di Camaiore (Lu), Italy

    Andrea Di Fiorino

Authors
  1. Gabriele Cipriani
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  2. Gemma Borin
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  3. Marcella Vedovello
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  4. Andrea Di Fiorino
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  5. Angelo Nuti
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Correspondence to Gabriele Cipriani.

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Cipriani, G., Borin, G., Vedovello, M. et al. Sociopathic behavior and dementia. Acta Neurol Belg 113, 111–115 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-012-0161-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-012-0161-7

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