According to medical professionals, memory loss symptoms, such as forgetting names or gifts, may be an early sign of diseases like Alzheimer’s.
As families gather for Christmas, they are being advised to watch for signs of forgetfulness that could indicate dementia in their loved ones.
Recent data reveals that dementia diagnoses in England reached a record high of 499,068 by the end of November, reflecting an increase of 19,416 cases in just one year.
By the end of this year, the number is expected to exceed half a million diagnoses.
During the holiday season, friends and family are encouraged to be vigilant for any signs of dementia, as advised by Dr. Jeremy Isaacs, the national clinical director for dementia at NHS England.
Dr Jeremy Isaacs says Christmas offers the opportunity to spot signs of dementia in loved ones and ensure an earlier diagnosis.
He stated, “Dementia often progresses gradually and may not be noticeable during a brief encounter. However, with family and friends coming together for Christmas, possibly for the first time in months, this is an opportunity to recognize the symptoms of this illness.”
“During such a busy time of year, there are many reasons why people might be forgetful or absent-minded, but it could also be a sign that something is wrong.”
“When families or friends gather over the festive season, issues that may not have been apparent before, such as forgetfulness, difficulty making plans, or problems finding the right words, can become more noticeable or easier to spot,” Dr. Isaacs added.
According to Dr. Isaacs, the increasing number of diagnoses is a “positive step forward” because early diagnosis allows patients and their families to seek support sooner.
However, the NHS has not yet achieved its goal of diagnosing two out of every three cases.
Since February 2020, the former Prime Minister David Cameron’s “dementia challenge” has remained unmet.
The most recent statistics show that 65.8% of patients have been diagnosed.
“We think it’s best to know.”
“We have a record nearly half a million people diagnosed with dementia, most of whom are living in their own homes with support from family and friends, thanks to patients and families coming forward and the hard work of NHS staff,” Dr. Isaacs stated.
“Please encourage anyone who shows symptoms to see their general practitioner (GP) for an evaluation; the sooner someone is seen, the sooner the NHS can offer assistance.”
According to Dr. Tim Rittman, senior research fellow at Alzheimer’s Research UK, you might notice someone asking the same question repeatedly or having trouble remembering the names of everyday items around the house. Individuals may also struggle to focus on routine tasks or, for example, follow the plot of a television show.
“You may notice pauses, difficulty finding the right words, or challenges putting sentences together during conversations,” he stated.
Dr. Rittman also mentioned that difficulties with planning and following directions, such as when shopping or preparing dinner, could be other signs of confusion.
In the United Kingdom, around one million people are living with dementia, according to Jennifer Keen, head of strategy at the Alzheimer’s Society. Families should come together frequently during the joyful Christmas season. Unfortunately, for some, this will be the first time they notice changes in their loved ones that may indicate dementia.
“In England, one-third of dementia patients remain undiagnosed. Although receiving a diagnosis can be frightening, we believe it’s best to know,” she added.
“An early and accurate diagnosis can enable access to vital care, support, and treatment. It can also help patients manage their symptoms and prevent crises.”
