Could this be dementia?

[MinnieMountain]

I’m visiting my 78yo father at the moment. Last night he mentioned something stupid I did as a teenager and called me “a silly little bitch”.
DSis has seen him more than me over the last year and has said he’s been increasingly rude (although not to that level) and doesn’t seem to see the problem when she calls him up on it.
He’s always been unfeeling (his parents were emotionally abusive). Could it just be that or is this actually the start of dementia?
He doesn’t fit any of the other NHS symptoms. He’s always been a bit forgetful.

Personality changes can be a sign. I'm sorry you're worrying I would be too.

It could well be the start of Dementia. The initial signs can be very subtle but if both you and your sister are noticing changes in him them there could be something going on.
Keep a brief diary of dates and things you both notice so as time goes on you can present these as part of the diagnosis evidence.
My own father lost his ‘filter’ and would say some quite hurtful and embarrassing things but saw no problem when he was pulled on it.
Even when it was very obvious to us all that he had some kind of Dementia the medical professionals palmed us off and excused it as old age.
We had to get quite firm with them to get a diagnosis but even then there is next to no help or support, you are just left to get on with it.
Good luck to you and I really hope for all your sakes that it isn’t Dementia.

It could be but what are you going to do about it ? I guess that’s the q.

decide if it’s worth challenging or let it ride but keep a note.

very upsetting though

That’s the problem, he’s never “done” emotions, won’t talk about feelings but this does seem to be another level.
I’ll talk to DSis today when we’re away from him but I very much doubt DF would be willing to discuss it.
As to what else to do, hope his heart condition gets him first? (Sorry for the black humour but DM died aged 69). It’s going to be difficult as DSIS and I both live over the other side of the country to him.