As families come together this Christmas, the NHS is urging everyone to use the festive period as an opportunity to check in on loved ones and be alert to the early signs of dementia.

With England reaching one of the highest dementia diagnosis rates globally at 65.8 per cent, healthcare leaders are emphasising the importance of spotting symptoms early to ensure timely support and care.

Recent data indicates that nearly 500,000 people in England have been diagnosed with dementia, marking a significant increase over the past year; with a jump of over 19,000 in a year.

England’s leading dementia doctor has described this as a “positive step forward,” emphasising that an early diagnosis allows patients and their families to access the right support sooner.

Across the country, NHS staff are dedicated to diagnosing dementia effectively, with pilot programmes launched at 14 sites to assess care home residents. These initiatives aim to ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, receives the care and support they need.

65.8 per cent of people aged 65 or older in England who are estimated to have dementia have received an official diagnosis.

“Dementia often develops slowly and might not be apparent during a brief interaction, but with family and friends gathering at Christmas perhaps for the first time in months, there is an opportunity to spot the signs of this condition,” said Dr Jeremy Isaacs, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Dementia.

Forgetfulness, difficulty making plans, or trouble finding words are some of the symptoms that might become more noticeable during extended time together. “There are lots of reasons why people might be forgetful or absent-minded at such a busy time of the year, but it could also be the sign that something is wrong,” Dr Isaacs added.

“Getting a diagnosis of dementia is the first step in supporting people, with a wide range of NHS services able to help.”

If you notice potential signs of dementia in a loved one, Dr Isaacs urges families to seek medical advice: “If you have noticed that someone has symptoms, please encourage them to visit their GP for an assessment – the sooner someone is seen, the quicker the NHS can help.”

By recognising the signs and seeking help early, families can ensure their loved ones receive the support they need to live well and safely.

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Recognising early symptoms

Early detection of dementia is crucial for accessing timely support and care. Key symptoms to watch for include:

  • Memory loss: Increased forgetfulness, such as misplacing items or missing appointments.
  • Confusion: Difficulty understanding time, place, or familiar environments.
  • Communication issues: Struggling to follow conversations or find the right words.
  • Mood changes: Uncharacteristic irritability, anxiety, or depression.

How to broach the subject with a loved one

Talking to a loved one about potential dementia symptoms can be challenging, but approaching the conversation with empathy and sensitivity can make a real difference. Start by choosing a calm, private setting where the person feels safe and comfortable. Frame the conversation with care by expressing concern rather than alarm. For example, you might say, “I’ve noticed you’ve been forgetting things more often, and I just want to make sure everything’s okay,” rather than making direct assumptions about their health.

Be patient and listen actively, allowing them to express their feelings or concerns. It’s also helpful to normalise the idea of seeking a GP’s advice, framing it as a routine health check rather than something to be feared. If they seem resistant, reassure them that it’s about ensuring their well-being and let them take some time to process the suggestion.

HELPFUL RESOURCES: Understanding denial and lack of insight | Alzheimer’s Society

The Alzheimer’s Society and other dementia support organisations offer resources and advice on how to approach these discussions compassionately.

Understanding all forms of dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive conditions that affect the brain, with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia being the most common forms in the UK. Together, these conditions account for the majority of dementia diagnoses, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals and their families.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of dementia, making up around 60-70 per cent of cases. It’s characterised by the build-up of proteins in the brain, which disrupts the normal functioning of brain cells. Common symptoms include memory loss, difficulty finding words, and changes in mood or behaviour. As the condition progresses, individuals may struggle with day-to-day tasks, recognition of loved ones, and maintaining independence.

Vascular dementia is the second most common form, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. This can result from a series of small strokes or damage to the blood vessels. Symptoms vary depending on the areas of the brain affected but often include impaired problem-solving, confusion, and difficulties with attention and organisation. Unlike Alzheimer’s, memory loss is not always the initial symptom.

Other forms of dementia include Lewy body dementia, which causes hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and motor symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. There’s also frontotemporal dementia, which typically affects younger individuals and impacts behaviour, personality, and language abilities.

Other forms include:

  • Mixed dementia
  • Parkinson’s disease dementia (which affects around 50-80 per cent of those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease)
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
  • Huntington’s disease dementia
  • Alcohol-related dementia
  • Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)

 

Living with Lewy

Data indicates that around 15 per cent of all dementia cases in the UK are Lewy body dementia (LBD) cases, affecting an estimated 100,000 people.

Listen to ITN Business’ Living with Lewy podcast to learn more about the disorder. Hosted by Lewy Body Society (LBS) Founder and Chair Ashley Bayston, it features people living with Lewy body dementia, carers and clinicians, academics researching the condition, along with LBS CEO Jacqui Cannon.