Real-life example

His reactions just don't feel like him anymore.

Common age-related pattern may look like

Some personality traits may become more pronounced with age, stress, pain, or life changes.

Warning pattern may look like

A sustained and noticeable personality change that others also observe deserves closer attention, especially if cognitive or functional changes are also present.

Helpful things to notice

  • What specifically feels different?
  • When did it begin?
  • Do other people notice it too?
  • Is it paired with judgment, money, social, or memory changes?
  • Did it appear suddenly or gradually?

Structured observation

How often have you noticed this recently?
Compared with 6-12 months ago, is this happening more often?
When reminded, can they usually reconnect with what happened?
Is this affecting daily independence or responsibilities?
Does this involve safety, such as getting lost, medication, stove, doors, driving, or financial harm?
Did this change appear suddenly over hours or days?