The NHS has issued a warning to families this Christmas, urging them to look out for symptoms of dementia in loved ones. According to November figures, 499,068 people in England have been diagnosed with the condition, a jump of 19,416 from last year.
A timely diagnosis is crucial to ensure patients can access care and support as early as possible. Common signs include forgetfulness, irritability, struggling to follow conversations or finding words, and confusion about time and place.
The NHS’s national clinical director for dementia says the disease often develops slowly and may not be apparent during brief interactions. However, with families gathering at Christmas, there is an opportunity to spot the early signs of dementia.
In fact, dementia was the leading cause of death in the UK in 2023, with 75,393 deaths last year. Alzheimer’s Research UK reports that November data shows a significant increase in diagnoses.
Care experts are urging people to check for symptoms and encourage loved ones to seek medical attention if they notice any changes. As one expert said, “Christmas should be a happy time when families get together, but sadly, it can also be the first time some people notice changes in their loved ones showing signs of dementia.”
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14220063/Families-signs-dementia-Christmas-NHS.html