9 1/2 year old Akita-show agression/fear

Question
It started a couple of months ago. My Akita was approached at night by a group of walkers. One gentleman who we knew veered off in our direction to say hello. My Akita nipped his hand as he extended it to her.

It happened again with a single man. He was alone. It was dark. She nipped him.

I kept her away from everyone after dark from then on.

Now, the "walkers" were seen in daylight. Same thing. Man veered away from the group and came over to us to say something to me. My Akita backed up and growled.

Today, a the man came to my home for me to sign some papers. My Akita veered away from him in our house. When he left, he extended his hand to her to try to show her he meant no harm. She nipped at his hand.

Here's my question: She is almost 10 years old. Could this be old age/dementia/ blindness? She will see a vet in two days. Just wondering what your take was on this.  Thanks

Answer
It could be. Very often you'll see changes in a dogs behavior as they age just as you do with people. She could be having problems seeing, or she might not feel well. Or she might just be having trust issues after feeling uncomfortable with the first confrontation. It happened. she got away with it , it continues.
Akitas are very protective as I'm sure you know. Has anything else changed in your life recently? Once you have her vetted, if she gets a clean bill of health, come back and we'll see if we can reverse it through behavior modification.
Cindi