7 dementia red flags that could show during Christmas meet-ups

While the festive season is a happy time for many, it can also exacerbate symptoms of dementia and families will be more likely to notice

The festive season often brings families together, offering a chance to bond and create new moments to cherish. Still, one specialist has warned against turning a blind eye to significant dementia red flags just to maintain holiday cheer.

John Ramsay, the founder behind Social-Ability, identified 7 signs that become especially pronounced during the Christmas festivities, drawing from his experience with his own father who struggled with dementia. Starting with memory lapses, he recalled: "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."

Forgetting names and repeating tales are also classic symptoms, made more obvious amongst the hubbub of a family Christmas celebration, especially if a person retells the same anecdote to the same individuals in a short period of time or mixes up people they know well. Navigating conversations can become an issue for those with early signs of dementia, and according the dementia expert: "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."

Moving on to holiday behaviours, he highlighted that while energetic homes are typical during festive periods, it's worth monitoring any elderly family members' actions closely. He said: "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."

As for hoarding tendencies, these may escalate over the holidays for those with dementia. John added: "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."

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

Christmas often involves families travelling far and wide to reunite, but being in a strange home surrounded by people they don’t see regularly can "trigger confusion and anxiety" in those with dementia. John pointed out: "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."

If you spot these signs in your loved one this Christmas, John offered some conversation starters that could highlight the symptoms and allow you to broach the subject gently and empathetically. As a gauge, John suggested starting by asking about recent events they should be well-versed in and able to communicate without difficulty.

He advised: "For example; ‘How was your visit with X last week? ’. If they struggle to recall details, use this as a gentle indicator, but don’t press— you can redirect with warmth to a topic they enjoy."

It might also be beneficial to subtly ask if they’ve noticed any changes in themselves lately, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable space to respond honestly. John recommends consulting with other family members or close friends who frequently interact with the individual in question for additional observations. If they've observed the same signs, he stresses the importance of obtaining a formal diagnosis to confirm the condition.

The journey begins with a visit to your local GP. Should a dementia diagnosis be determined, John advises arranging for medical and financial power of attorney to be entrusted to a thoroughly trusted individual. He explained: "This can also provide peace of mind for your loved one that someone they trust is in charge of their affairs."