Dementia expert shares seven red flags to look for in loved ones over Christmas

The festive period is a time for family gatherings and creating memories to treasure, but one expert is highlighting the importance of not overlooking potential signs of dementia during the Christmas celebrations. John Ramsay, head of Social-Ability, shared insights from his personal experience with his father's dementia diagnosis, emphasising how certain indicators can be more pronounced during Christmas activities.

Reflecting on the changes he saw in his father, he said: "Looking back on having lived with my father, who was diagnosed with dementia when I was 12, one of the elements that now stands out is how he would often forget what had just happened, relying on us to tell him what to do next. If you haven't seen a loved one in a while and they have forgotten how to do daily tasks then this might be a sign of dementia."

With festive reunions potentially unearthing symptoms like forgetting names or repeating stories, those exhibiting such behaviours could demonstrate classic symptoms. According to Ramsay, difficulties in communication are notable in those showing early dementia signs: "Those who have dementia can struggle when communicating, often getting lost in conversations when it involves a topic they are unfamiliar with, or struggling to recall the right words when discussing an idea."

Speaking about holiday behaviours, he emphasised that while homes are usually bustling during festive periods, it's important to closely observe any elderly family members' actions. He shared: "My dad had always enjoyed long walks, but in the early stages of his dementia, he began walking with purpose around our home and up and down our street. Although houses are busy with friends and family over the festive session, keep an eye out for elderly parents or relatives pacing through the house without a genuine reason or knowledge as to why they are doing it, this might be a sign of dementia."

Regarding hoarding tendencies, these may increase over the holidays for those with dementia. John continued: "Dad started to collect multiple copies of house keys and frequently bought the same items several times a day, sometimes even on the same shopping trip. This type of repetitive behaviour, which can seem baffling, is often a way to gain a sense of control.", reports the Mirror.

Moreover, the festive season can be an emotional rollercoaster for many, but John said mood swings can also be a symptom, with early dementia creating challenging situations for all involved. He urged families to remain "understanding and patient", while keeping an eye out for any significant mood changes in their loved ones.

Christmas often sees families travelling across the country to come together, but for those with dementia, being in an unfamiliar home surrounded by people they don't regularly see can "trigger confusion and anxiety". John highlighted: "The changes in environment and activity can overwhelm individuals with dementia, as they often struggle to process unfamiliar surroundings, which may heighten feelings of disorientation and stress."

To help identify symptoms in a loved one during the festive season, John has suggested some conversation starters that could gently and empathetically indicate potential issues.

He recommends asking about recent events that should be familiar to them, such as: 'How was your visit with X last week?'. If they have difficulty recalling details, this could be a subtle sign, but it's important not to press them—instead, steer the conversation towards topics they enjoy.

Additionally, it might be helpful to ask if they've noticed any changes in themselves lately, providing a safe space for them to answer honestly. John also advises consulting with other family members or close friends who see the person regularly for their observations.

If similar signs are noted, he emphasises the importance of seeking a formal diagnosis. The process starts with an appointment at your local GP surgery. If a dementia diagnosis is confirmed, John recommends setting up medical and financial power of attorney, granting a trusted individual the authority to make decisions.

He explained: "This can also provide peace of mind for your loved one that someone they trust is in charge of their affairs."