Using the NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI), we evaluated caregivers' 
perceptions of personality prior to symptom onset and current personality in 36 
individuals with a clinical diagnosis of dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT). 
Caregivers also completed the self form of the NEO-PI and an index of objective 
and subjective burden. Personality change in DAT was consistent with previous 
reports of increased neuroticism, decreased extraversion, and decreased 
conscientiousness, with smaller decreases in openness and agreeableness. 
Significant relationships were found among perceived present patient 
personality, caregiver personality, and caregiver burden. Regression analyses 
indicated that present patient conscientiousness and caregiver neuroticism were 
the best predictors of both objective and subjective burden, and these variables 
were found to contribute independently to caregivers' reported level of burden. 
To the extent that caregivers perceive specific behaviors and interferences 
negatively, cognitive and supportive interventions are likely to prove extremely 
beneficial.