The four early warning signs of dementia in loved ones to look out for this Christmas and how to seek help
Nearly a million people in the UK are living with dementia 🩺
- One in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK has dementia.
- A timely diagnosis can mean patients and families can get the right support in place at an earlier stage.
- Look out for these four common early warning signs of dementia in loved ones this Christmas.
The holiday season is a time when families come together to celebrate; however, if you have older relatives, it may be the first time you notice early warning signs of dementia.
Around 944,000 people are living with dementia in the UK, with one in 11 people over 65 having the condition. A timely diagnosis can mean patients and families can get the right support in place at an earlier stage.
Families are being urged to familiarise themselves with common signs and symptoms ahead of Christmas. Here is everything you need to know about dementia and where to go if you need to seek help for a loved one.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline in brain function; it is not only about memory loss but can impact the way a person thinks, speaks and behaves.
There are many different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, which make up the majority of cases.
Recent research shows that more than 944,000 people are living with dementia, which equates to one in 11 people over the age of 65 having dementia in the UK.
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?
There can be some confusion about the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia and is the most common cause of dementia in the UK.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
The signs of dementia can appear before an official diagnosis and do not always involve memory loss.
Caroline Scates, Director of Nursing Services at Dementia UK, said: “Dementia is often associated with memory problems, but the first symptoms of dementia are not always memory-related, meaning sometimes people don’t recognise the early signs.”
The signs of dementia differ from person to person, but the common symptoms include:
- Memory problems – e.g. increasing forgetfulness, difficulty retaining information
- Changes in cognitive ability – e.g. difficulties with decision making, a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and problems understanding time and place
- Communication issues – e.g. struggling to find the right words, confused speech and calling people and items by the wrong name
- Changes in behaviour and personality – e.g. becoming distressed, upset or impatient more easily than usual, acting impulsively in ways that are socially inappropriate, experiencing restlessness
What to do if you notice signs of dementia?
If you notice the symptoms of dementia in yourself or a loved one over the holiday season, support is available.
Discussing memory loss can be challenging, as someone experiencing these symptoms may be confused or unaware that they have a problem. The Alzheimer's Society recommends having a conversation in a familiar place and allowing yourself plenty of time.
Help is available through your GP. In the appointment, they will ask how long the symptoms have been going on for and may carry out a memory test or a physical examination. If dementia or Alzheimer's is suspected, a referral can be made to a memory clinic or other specialist services.
Caroline said: “If you are concerned about someone who you think may be displaying symptoms of dementia, it is important to book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.
“There can be challenges along the way to receiving a diagnosis, for example, a person may be reluctant to go to the doctor due to fear or be in denial that there is an issue, but it’s important that families know they’re not alone - Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses are there to help.”
If you’re worried a loved one has the signs of dementia this Christmas, you can contact Dementia UK’s free Admiral Nurse Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or via email at [email protected].