Dementia experts prepare for anticipated January spike in calls in UK

It's the busiest time of year for households across the country but for the UK's leading dementia charity it's a contrast in comparison to the expected surge of New Year calls to their support line.

As families come together to celebrate the festivities, for some it may be the first time they notice significant changes which could be the signs of dementia in loved ones. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, mood changes and problems with language and communication.

In the last two years, the charity has seen calls to its support line through January grow by 15%, a growing trend at this time of year since 2022 contributed to by ongoing activity to raise awareness of the importance of an early and accurate diagnosis and dispelling the common myth that dementia is just part of getting old.

Alzheimer's Society's Ambassadors comedian and author David Baddiel, actor Suranne Jones and celebrity supporter and actor Anne-Marie Duff, all of whom have a personal connection to dementia, have lent their voice to reenact some of the calls the charity's support line receives, helping to shine a light on dementia and bring it out from behind closed doors.

The calls are just a glimpse of what Alzheimer's Society's expert dementia advisers will be preparing to receive in volume next month. They can offer practical and emotional support and advice on a variety of topics including getting diagnosed, caring strategies and how to access social care as well as signposting to other organizations who can provide legal and financial advice, for things such as benefits and grants.

And people across the country can help to support people like this, by gifting their support through donations to the charity's Christmas Appeal.

Nearly 1,700 people affected by dementia responded to a survey1 about their access to Alzheimer's Society's support services, with 96% saying they were more informed, 92% felt more supported to manage and 78% having more confidence to make decisions. This shows the real impact supporting the charity's Christmas Appeal can have on people living with dementia.

Kate Lee, Chief Executive Officer for Alzheimer's Society said, "Christmas can be challenging in many ways, but particularly for those affected by dementia so more support and guidance is needed in the wake of the festivities. We help people make the most of life with dementia, supporting them through some of the hardest and most frightening times.

"From a listening ear on the phone to a visit in person and opportunities to connect with others, we'll be there for you again and again and again, no matter what.

"Dementia is the UK's biggest killer with the realities often played out behind closed doors. With one in three people born today developing dementia, it has never been more crucial to shine a light on the condition and bring it out into the open."

Provided by Alzheimer's Society