As families gather during the festive season, health experts are urging vigilance in identifying signs of dementia among loved ones, the Daily Mail reports.
Recent NHS data highlights an all-time high in diagnoses, with 499,068 individuals in England diagnosed as of November 2024—an increase of over 19,000 from the previous year.
Care Minister Stephen Kinnock emphasized that timely diagnosis is essential for ensuring patients receive the necessary care and support.
“Early diagnosis allows for more effective planning and access to interventions that can improve quality of life,” he stated.
Dr. Jeremy Isaacs, NHS England’s national clinical director for dementia, echoed the importance of family involvement.
“Dementia often develops gradually and may not be apparent during brief interactions. The holidays provide a unique opportunity to observe changes over extended periods,” Isaacs explained.
Families are encouraged to note any of the following warning signs:
- Forgetfulness or memory lapses, especially with recent events.
- Difficulty following conversations or finding the right words.
- Confusion about time or place.
- Behavioral changes such as irritability or mood swings.
These symptoms could indicate early stages of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of the condition.
Dementia has become the leading cause of death in the UK, with 75,393 fatalities recorded in 2023, compared to 74,261 in 2022. Alzheimer’s Research UK attributes this rise to an aging population and increased awareness leading to higher diagnosis rates.
Jennifer Keen, head of policy at the Alzheimer’s Society, stressed the significance of family gatherings for noticing changes.
“For some, this Christmas may mark the first time they observe signs of dementia in a loved one,” Keen remarked.
Dementia is a general term for conditions characterized by cognitive decline, impacting memory, reasoning, and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive and degenerative brain disorder, is the most common form.
Key early symptoms of Alzheimer’s include:
- Loss of short-term memory.
- Behavioral and mood changes.
- Difficulty managing daily tasks such as handling finances.
As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, including memory loss of close family members, disorientation, and the need for full-time care.
Families concerned about a loved one’s cognitive health are encouraged to seek medical advice promptly. Early diagnosis not only facilitates access to treatments and support but also allows families to plan for the future.
