Families have been urged to look out for symptoms of dementia when gathering with loved ones at Christmas after the NHS found that more people than ever have been diagnosed with the condition.
The health service said November figures revealed 499,068 people in England had been diagnosed, an increase of 19,416 in a year.
Care Minister Stephen Kinnock said timely diagnosis was “vital” to ensure patients could access the care and support they need as soon as possible.
Common symptoms include forgetfulness, irritability, difficulty following a conversation or finding the right word, and confusion about time and place.
Dr Jeremy Isaacs, national clinical director for dementia at NHS England, said: “(The disease) often develops slowly and may not be evident during a brief interaction, but with family and friends gathered at Christmas, perhaps for the first time. Once in months, there is an opportunity to spot the signs.
Families urged to watch out for symptoms of dementia in their members over Christmas (file photo)
Care Minister Stephen Kinnock (file photo) said timely diagnosis was “vital” to ensure patients could access the care and support they need as soon as possible.
Dementia was the leading cause of death in the UK in 2023: 75,393 people died last year, compared to 74,261 in 2022 and 69,178 in 2021, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Jennifer Keen, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Society, backed the campaign to encourage people to check for symptoms, adding: “Christmas should be a happy time when families come together.”
“But sadly, for some people it will be the first time they notice changes in their loved ones who are showing signs of dementia.”