Could this be dementia?

[MiddleAgedButterfly]

My 80yo mum has had some concerning behaviour: very anxious, becoming reclusive, saying she is sweating but turning the heating up, piling blankets on and then drying herself with a hairdryer. She’s so demanding on my dad: shouting, calling out a lot.
The GP said they’d do a memory test…..but I know she will pass this. I’m wondering if it’s possibly a form of dementia that causes personality changes, anxiety etc.
A few other medical things have been ruled out.
any advice would be appreciated please!

Definitely need to rule out other causes thoroughly. Are there any memory issues? Family history? Does she have any vascular problems like heart disease/previous strokes? Does she realize things are different and does she have any views on things?
It could well be symptoms however I'd definitely want to rule out lots of other things first including a medication review.

My advice would be to keep a symptom diary if you see them regularly and see if there's any patterns noticed that may help.

@MiddleAgedButterfly I’m wondering if it’s possibly a form of dementia that causes personality changes, anxiety etc.

AFAIK, all forms of dementia cause personality changes and anxiety, as well the irrational behaviour you describe. Aggressive behaviour is also a symptom. It's not just about loss of memory. My dad had vascular dementia and passed a psychiatrist's memory test at a consultation. Meanwhile at home he was building a wall of cornflake packets by the kitchen window to shield himself from people supposedly watching him. Of course, as PP says, she should be thoroughly assessed to rule out other causes.

Frontotemporal dementia often presents with the symptoms you describe.

Gosh I am watching this one with interest. Our mother has definitely become reclusive but we have had every test going and she passes with flying colours. Some of her behaviour is how she has always been, stubborn and defiant always knowing better. She won’t go out now without one of us with her and a simple trip takes hours and hours as she puts barriers up which are generally nonsensical. What her behaviour does mean is we are all on high alert, permanently anxious and pandering frankly to her having to have one of us present. Yes she is lonely but some of that is self inflicted as she has alienated some lovely people who clearly stayed in touch because of Dad and now do not want to know. I guess if you have seen a decline in behaviour real day and night type change then it is likely needing a diagnosis.
In our case it is just ‘Mum being Mum’ really but more difficult and unreasonable than ever. Will watch this with interest.

Presumably dr has checked for uti? That can cause dementia-like symptoms.