The signs a loved one may have dementia this Christmas

Forgetting to turn on the oven at Christmas dinner yesterday could have been a warning sign that a loved one is suffering from dementia, health chiefs have warned.

Not remembering names, gifts, or directions around a relative’s house could also indicate that an older friend or family member has the memory-stealing disorder.

More than 900,000 Britons and 7 million Americans are believed to have dementia, with rates expected to nearly double over the next two decades.

It comes as the NHS today announced plans for medics to screen hundreds more older people for the condition as part of a catch-up campaign after diagnoses plummeted during the pandemic.

Not remembering names, gifts or directions around a relative’s house could also be a signal that a friend or family member has the memory-stealing illness, says the NHS

In advice issued today, the NHS said that if a relative, particularly over the age of 65, forgot to turn on the oven for Christmas turkey, they may be “experiencing the early stages of dementia”.

Forgetting the names of loved ones to the point of “embarrassing” and not bringing a gift from a more distant relative, such as a niece or nephew, could also be a telltale sign.

Other signs include confusion in a new environment — like a hotel or a relative’s house — which can lead to people with dementia becoming disoriented, confused, and going into the wrong bedroom.

Professor Alistair Burns, NHS England national clinical director for dementia, said: “If you have noticed someone having symptoms over the holiday period, please encourage them to see their GP for a check-up – the sooner someone is seen, the sooner they can NHS help.’

One of the broader signs of dementia is memory loss – for example, remembering past events much more easily than recent ones.

Trouble thinking or arguing, having trouble following conversations or television programs, and feeling anxious, depressed, or angry because of memory loss are also symptoms of dementia.

People with these symptoms are advised to see a family doctor. Early diagnosis can help find the right treatment and support.

There is currently no cure for dementia, but treatment includes medication and therapy.

Latest NHS data shows that by September more than 450,000 people in England had been diagnosed with dementia – a 2.8 per cent increase in one year.

But the Alzheimer’s Society reports that there are more than 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, meaning many remain undiagnosed, with the total expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting between 50 and 75 percent of people diagnosed.

There are an estimated 7 million people with dementia in the United States. The number is expected to reach 12 million in the next two decades.

It comes as the NHS today launched a dementia diagnosis campaign at 14 trusts across England, including parts of London, Birmingham and Oxford.

To spot cases of dementia that have been overlooked during the pandemic, medics will offer in-person screenings for care home residents who have not been diagnosed.

During the Covid crisis there has been a significant drop in dementia diagnosis rates, leading to fears that more people are living with the disease without access to proper support and advice.

But experts say the new study will help reduce the number of missed cases.

As part of local dementia actions, GPs will share a list of care home residents who have not been diagnosed with dementia.

Staff involved in the pilot will check with the care home if the individuals listed have memory problems and residents will be offered a full face-to-face assessment.

They will then review a resident’s medication use and speak to friends and family to determine if they have dementia.

Professor Burns said: “The pandemic has of course had an impact on the number of people diagnosed with dementia as older people see fewer people to protect themselves from Covid.

“The NHS is committed to ensuring those living with dementia during the pandemic receive a diagnosis as this will open doors for further support for people and their families suffering from this heartbreaking illness.

“There are many things we can do in the NHS to provide care and support for people when they receive a diagnosis and most importantly there is also support for their families and carers.

“So if you’ve noticed someone having symptoms over the holiday period please encourage them to visit their GP for a check-up – the sooner someone is seen the quicker the NHS can support them.”

In other related news…

Hundreds of older Britons are to be screened for dementia in a new pilot scheme in 2023

Love Island’s Georgia Harrison is asking for help finding her grandfather, who has dementia, after he disappeared on Christmas Day

One in 10 cigarette smokers in their 40s suffers from cognitive decline — but quitting can reverse the damage, study finds

WHAT IS DEMENTIA?

Dementia is a collective term for a number of neurological disorders

A GLOBAL CONCERN

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders (affecting the brain) that affect memory, thinking and behavior.

There are many different types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common.

Some people can have a combination of different types of dementia.

Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own unique way.

Dementia is a global problem, but it is most prevalent in wealthier countries where people are likely to live into old age.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?

The Alzheimer’s Society reports that there are more than 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK today. This is expected to increase to 1.6 million by 2040.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting between 50 and 75 percent of people diagnosed.

There are an estimated 5.5 million people with Alzheimer’s in the United States. A similar percentage increase is expected for the coming years.

The risk of developing dementia also increases with age.

Diagnosis rates are improving, but it is believed that many people with dementia are still undiagnosed.

IS THERE A CURE?

There is currently no cure for dementia.

But new drugs can slow its progression, and the sooner it’s detected, the more effective the treatments are.

Source: Alzheimer’s Society

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