The NHS England is encouraging families to be vigilant about the signs of dementia in elderly relatives during the festive season. With holiday gatherings providing a unique opportunity to observe changes in behaviour, health officials are stressing the importance of early detection.
As families engage in traditional activities such as opening gifts and sharing meals, subtle changes in memory, mood, or behaviour may emerge. This initiative coincides with the Defeating Dementia campaign, a partnership between the Daily Mail and the Alzheimer’s Society, aimed at raising awareness about dementia, which is responsible for approximately 76,000 deaths annually in the UK and remains the country’s leading cause of death.
Importance of Early Detection
According to Dr. Jeremy Isaacs, clinical director for dementia at NHS England, certain behaviours can indicate the onset of dementia. “Not being able to follow a much-loved family recipe or repeating stories could be a sign,” he stated. He highlighted additional symptoms such as difficulty following conversations, confusion about time and place, and noticeable emotional changes like irritability.
The NHS aims to increase the identification of individuals living with dementia, with recent figures showing that 512,525 people have received a formal diagnosis, a rise from 499,068 the previous year. This effort is particularly crucial as diagnostic rates have declined since the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted many healthcare services.
As families come together during Christmas, the NHS emphasizes the importance of being attentive to any noticeable changes in behaviour. The festive period can often bring to light aspects of a loved one’s health that may not be evident in everyday settings.
Checklist and Support Resources
The NHS has provided a symptom checklist to help families identify potential signs of dementia before consulting a GP. This resource aims to empower caregivers and relatives to take proactive steps in addressing health concerns.
Additionally, NHS England is collaborating with care providers to implement pilot projects aimed at improving dementia diagnosis in care homes. These initiatives are designed to facilitate quicker and more effective interventions, benefiting both individuals and their families.
Dr. Tim Beanland from the Alzheimer’s Society remarked, “Spending time together at Christmas often brings into focus changes that can come with dementia. Subtle shifts in behaviour or abilities may be more noticeable during these moments and, for some families, can be the first time they recognize signs of dementia.”
For those seeking confidential advice, the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line is available at 0333 150 3456. The organization also offers a symptoms checker that can assist families in identifying potential indicators of dementia in their loved ones.
As the festive season approaches, being mindful of these signs can lead to earlier diagnosis and better support for those affected by dementia, ultimately improving their quality of life.
