The Alzheimer’s Society says it is preparing for its busiest time of the year after families start noticing signs of the disease in loved ones during Christmas.
In the past two years, calls to the charity’s helpline up to January have increased by 15 per cent.
It said that when people get together during the festive season, some families notice a change in the behavior of their relatives.
Alzheimer’s Society dementia experts say the main symptoms to look out for are memory loss, confusion, mood changes and problems with language and communication.
A couple from Essex have praised a charity for the support they have received since being diagnosed two years ago.
Margaret Gloster, 79, found out she had mixed dementia in January 2023.
She lives in Basildon with her partner Derek Wiley, 67.
Mr. Wiley began to realize that something was wrong when Ms. Gloster became confused a few years ago.
He couldn’t pour the potion and couldn’t find his way home even when he was close to it.
She has since experienced hallucinations and movement difficulties, which the former dance teacher never expected.
Ms Gloster said: “It was a shock to say the least. I just didn’t know what to say, do, you know, I hid indoors for a couple of months, I wouldn’t go out. if people saw me.”
Mr Wiley called the Alzheimer’s Society to ask for help and he and Ms Gloster have been receiving support ever since.
Mr Wiley said: “The family told us to contact the Alzheimer’s Society and we found a local ‘winter cafe’ online.
“It was the turning point we needed and this encounter helped open many other avenues of communication and support that we didn’t even know existed or needed.
“I don’t know where we would be today without the support of the Alzheimer’s Society, especially our key contact Michelle, who works for the charity in Essex.
“She has helped us maintain purpose by engaging us in so many social activities and providing opportunities where we can help make a difference with our experience.”
They say that keeping Christmas calm and organized is a big help.
Mr Wiley said: “We’ve got the tree and decorations up and like other years I’ll be cooking a full Christmas dinner on the day but we’re not going to make it too hectic.”
The couple has their own message for others who may be worried about themselves or their loved ones.
Mr Wiley said: “Don’t delay in getting help. It can’t make things worse,” and Mrs Gloster added: “Nobody wants a diagnosis, but it’s reassuring to know you’re not stupid, there’s a disease that’s causing everything you can’t explain. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association.”
Judith King, Alzheimer’s Society East of England Local Services Director, said the Christmas season can be quite difficult for people living with dementia or those caring for them.
“While it can be a very happy time, it can also be a very emotional and challenging time for people as well,” he added.
He continued: “With lots of visits, normal routines in families can change and that can be very worrying for people living with dementia.
“Some of the symptoms may mean that people are not as comfortable attending parties as they are used to.
“People find things less familiar, more confusing, and sometimes their self-confidence may also weaken.”
Ms King says if people are worried they should ask their GP for advice and call the dementia helpline for help.
He said: “Carers tell us that getting help and social care support can be really difficult, so it’s really important that people feel they have somewhere to turn to, and the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Helpline can provide that first point of contact and offer support to people throughout during the illness.”
If you want personal help, support and information, call the Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia helpline on 0333 150 3456.
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