How to spot dementia warning signs in your loved ones this Christmas – from forgetting words to mood changes
CHRISTMAS is an excuse for many of us to spend quality time with our families.
If you’ve not seen some of seen loved ones for a while, the holiday might the first opportunity you get to spot warning signs of dementia you might have missed.
Christmas can also be stressful for some, bringing to surface issues or personality changes that may have been hidden.
And with dementia diagnosis rates at a three year high, England’s top mental health nurse is now urging people to look out for signs of dementia among family and friends over Christmas.
NHS mental health director Claire Murdoch said: “Dementia is an extremely deceptive disease that develops slowly and may go unnoticed in people, but with family and friends gathering at Christmas perhaps for the first time in months, there is an opportunity to spot the vital warning signs of this condition.”
Some symptoms of the devastating brain-robbing disease may appear some time before an official medical diagnosis, she added.
Claire shared five common early symptoms, which might tip you off that your loved one or relative is suffering from dementia:
- Emotional change
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- Being confused about time and place
The mental health nurse noted: “There are lots of reasons why people might be forgetful or absent-minded at such a busy time of the year, but it could also be the sign that something can be wrong.
“If you have noticed that someone has symptoms, please encourage them to visit their GP for an assessment – the sooner someone is seen the quicker the NHS can help.
“Getting a diagnosis for dementia is the first step in supporting people, with a wide range of NHS services able to help.”
Her urging comes as the NHS is diagnosing tens of thousands more people with dementia since the start of the pandemic.
NHS figures shows staff diagnosed 463,797 people aged over 65 with dementia in November 2023.
That’s up more than 41,000 than the same period last year.
Studies have noted that older adults saw a steep decline in their cognitive and mental health, as highlighted by research published to Healthy Longevity last month.
NHS England attributed the increase in dementia diagnoses to an effort to spot more people suffering with the condition.
It said 14 pilots across England had seen health professionals go into care homes to assess older adults who may have missed checks during the pandemic.
Health chiefs are expecting the ambition of diagnosing 66.7 per cent of people with dementia over 65 will be met in the next year, with three regions already hitting the target in London, North West, and North East and Yorkshire.
Claire said: “Thanks to the efforts of NHS staff, tens of thousands more people are now getting a dementia diagnosis than this time last year, which opens up doors to further support for patients and their families who experience this heart-breaking disease.”
The NHS recommends that anyone who is concerned about a friend or loved one should listen carefully and sympathetically to their concerns, encourage people to get help and get checked out by their GP.
A dementia diagnosis is the first step in assessing whether someone would be suitable for treatments, or whether they and their family need further support from a range of NHS services.
Some 944,000 Brits are said to be currently living with dementia.
James White, Head of National Influencing at Alzheimer’s Society said: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, with over 750,000 people currently living with the condition in England.
“Christmas should be a joyful time surrounded by family and friends enjoying the festivities, but sadly, for thousands of people it will be the first time they notice changes in their loved ones showing signs of dementia.
“Dementia can often be mistaken for simply old age – but it’s not a natural part of ageing and it doesn’t just affect older people.
“If you spot symptoms in a loved one, such as confusion or memory loss, it is vital you seek support from a GP or healthcare professional as soon as possible.
“Getting a diagnosis can be daunting but it’s better to know, so that you can access vital help and support for you and your loved ones.”