TAKE time out from the turkey and trimmings to check for early signs of dementia in loved ones, families are being urged.
The call comes as NHS figures show diagnoses in England have climbed to a record high.
Almost 500,000 have been told they have the condition — up 19,416 from November last year.
NHS England dementia clinical director Dr Jeremy Isaacs said: “With family and friends gathering, there is an opportunity to spot the signs.”
Symptoms include general forgetfulness, confusion around time and place, or struggling to follow a conversation.
Care Minister Stephen Kinnock said a timely diagnosis was vital to ensure patients could get the care they needed as early as possible.
Jennifer Keen, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Society, backed the drive to encourage people to check symptoms.
She said: “Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK.
“Christmas should be a happy time when families often get together.
“But sadly, for some people it will be the first time they notice changes in their loved ones showing signs of dementia.
“A third of people living with dementia in England don’t have a diagnosis.
“Getting a diagnosis can be daunting but we believe it’s better to know.
“An early and accurate diagnosis can open the door to vital care, support and treatment.
“It can also help people to manage their symptoms and avoid ending up in crisis.
“We welcome the drive to ensure more people get a dementia diagnosis and the lifechanging help they need.”
