The NHS has urged people to look out for symptoms of dementia as they gather with loved ones this Christmas.

The plea comes as new data revealed more people than ever have been diagnosed with the condition in England.

November figures from the NHS revealed 499,068 people have received a dementia diagnosis. This an increase of 19,416 in a year.

Dementia was the leading cause of death in the UK in 2023 with 75,393 people dying from the condition, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK.

This was increase from 74,261 deaths in 2022 and 69,178 in 2021.

How to live longer

Care minister Stephen Kinnock said a timely diagnosis is “vital” to ensure patients can access the care and support they need as early as possible.

Dementia symptoms to look out for

Common early symptoms of dementia to look out, according to the NHS, include:

  • Forgetfulness and/or memory loss
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right words
  • Being confused about time and place
  • Mood changes

NHS England national clinical director for dementia, Dr Jeremy Isaacs, said: “Dementia often develops slowly and might not be apparent during a brief interaction, but with family and friends gathering at Christmas perhaps for the first time in months, there is an opportunity to spot the signs of this condition.

“Thanks to patients and families coming forward, and the hard work of NHS staff, we have a record almost half a million people diagnosed with dementia, most of whom are living in their own homes with support from family and friends.”

Alzheimer’s Society backs call to check for dementia symptoms

Head of policy at Alzheimer’s Society, Jennifer Keen, backed the drive to encourage people to check for symptoms of dementia this Christmas.

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.

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“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.”