What are some causes of poor personal hygiene?

Dirty clothes, unkempt hair, and other slips in personal hygiene may be a sign of limited energy or abilities. Sometimes they point to bigger issues, such as depression, hidden health problems, or the beginning of dementia or cognitive decline.

Sometimes the change stems from lack of energy, which may be tied to poor nutrition, trouble sleeping, progression of a chronic medical problem, or a new health concern, such as anemia or a thyroid disorder. Other times, medications are at fault.