Character changing with age. Is this common?

[cheeseislife8]

As the title suggests really, has anyone come across this? I don't mean just a grumpiness borne of frustration, but an actual shift in a person's character and beliefs. I'm finding it quite unsettling

sudden shift or gradual shift, and shift from what to what?

Dementia can be cruel and personality altering. It’s not just about becoming forgetful. What sort of changes are you noticing?

More detail is needed but as a general rule is say if there is a significant change. Less warmth, more indecision and preoccupation with stuff they wouldn't previously have worried about I'd say start writing your concerns down so you can see it more objectively and then talk to a doctor. Preferably the person's gp who has prior knowledge of them.

Thank you for your kind replies.

It was a preoccupation with stuff that was never usually an issue, which has been coming on a while and I'd been attributing to generally having less 'life' stuff to worry about now like work, admin etc.

Lately though, it's been more like a huge defensiveness, thinking everyone is picking on her or leaving her out. She's always been so laid back, chilled out, a bit of a 'it'll be fine' attitude to everything but now everything is a personal slight and it really upsets her

Absolutely. My DM seems to have gone from being the type who always saw the best in people, to now getting so annoyed all the time. Things like someone who doesn't phone her back the minute they get her message or someone who has to cancel a visit because they are sick are enough to send her into a rage.
She's currently really angry with me because I couldn't get anyone to service her heating boiler today.
She's had an initial appointment with the memory clinic and they specifically asked me if I had noticed any personality changes.

I think this is an indicator of dementia, not a professional or expert opinion.

My mam is in the early stages and feels hard done by and slighted by all and sundry, she wasn't like that. Every day there's an offending person and I dread seeing her or answering the phone a lot of the time as I know there's a story and tears or anger coming.

Of course I try to empathise and understand, but I know it can't be that this is happening and she's been victimised on every outing. Very hard and sad to listen to, but also so sad that this is her perception of the world.