Urge families to spot signs of dementia at Christmas

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Families are being urged to seek help from the NHS after discovering signs that could mean dementia during Christmas celebrations.

Health experts said memory lapses — such as forgetting to put the turkey in the oven, or forgetting names and gifts — can be an indicator of conditions like Alzheimer’s.

The NHS is embarking on a campaign to increase diagnoses of dementia, which has fallen during the pandemic as older people become more isolated and struggle to get medical help.

Pilot schemes across the country will send teams into care homes to assess residents.

Professor Alistair Burns, National Medical Director of Dementia for NHS England, said family and friends can also play a key role in helping to spot the signs – which are sometimes most noticeable when families come together, after some time apart.

Officials said something as simple as forgetting to put the oven on the turkey at Christmas could be a warning that a loved one is in the early stages of dementia.

Experts said that disorientation in an unfamiliar environment, such as a relative’s home, frequently forgetting names, or buying a gift, could be evidence of cognitive decline.

‘Someone is seen sooner, the NHS can support them faster’

Prof Burns said those who have concerns should encourage their loved ones to visit their GP.

He said: “The pandemic has had a normalizing effect on the number of people diagnosed with dementia, with older people seeing fewer people to protect themselves from Covid-19.

“The NHS is determined to ensure that those who have developed dementia are diagnosed during the pandemic, as it will open doors to further support for people and their families living with this heartbreaking disease.”

NHS estimates show that only 62.2 per cent of people with dementia have a diagnosis – down from 67.6 per cent before the pandemic.

While the number of referrals is now back to pre-pandemic levels, nearly 30,000 diagnoses have been missed since the pandemic.

Professor Burns said: “There are many things we can do in the NHS to care for and support people if they get a diagnosis, and most importantly there is support for their families and carers too.

“So if over the festive period you notice someone developing symptoms, please encourage them to visit their GP for an assessment – the earlier someone is seen, the faster the NHS can support them.”

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