Veronica said what I was thinking about ruling out a brain tumor. Behavioral changes can also be brought on my small strokes or other types of dementia in which memory loss is not the first major change. The scan Vernonica recommended may be able to "see" these problems if they are there. I hope it is just a UTI -- much simpler to treat.
As mentioned this could be early signs of dementia or I would strongly suggest something like an undiagnosed brain tumor or stroke or other head injury. I would insist on an MRI of the person's head to rule out these things. They will of course find changes due to normal aging but should be able to exclude other things.
Bri, as mentioned above, have the person be checked for an Urinary Tract Infection [UTI] which is very common in the elderly.... such an infection can cause a person to act the way you had mentioned. If it is a UTI, antibiotics can clear out the infection.
There is very certainly such a thing as dementia that presents with behavioral changes, as well as a number of other neurological changes and/or problems.
If you have noticed a mark change in personality or behavior in a loved one, report it to the person's GP or ask your own GP about it. It does warrant investigation, and you have done well to spot it and realise that it could mean there is something going on.
Makes notes, then seek advice - and be prepared to be politely persistent, because not every GP will immediately understand what you're concerned about. Well done, and good luck.
Changes in behavior could be any number of things including the first stages of dementia, diabetes, heart trouble or even an UTI - has your loved one been to their primary care physician for a physical ? They may suggest a referral to a neurologist if everything else checks out
I would insist on an MRI of the person's head to rule out these things. They will of course find changes due to normal aging but should be able to exclude other things.
If you have noticed a mark change in personality or behavior in a loved one, report it to the person's GP or ask your own GP about it. It does warrant investigation, and you have done well to spot it and realise that it could mean there is something going on.
Makes notes, then seek advice - and be prepared to be politely persistent, because not every GP will immediately understand what you're concerned about. Well done, and good luck.