Anyone celebrating Christmaswith family members has been urged to watch out for several common 'warning' symptoms. While these may not be serious, the NHS stressed that they should beevaluated by a GP.

In a message published this week, the NHSsaid: "This Christmas, look out for the symptoms of dementia, such as irritability, forgetfulness, struggling to follow a conversation, or being confused about time and place. If you spot any of these symptoms in a loved one, encourage them to visit their GP for an assessment."

Dementiais an umbrella term describing several conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, related to the ongoing decline of the brain. NHS figures suggest that more than 944,000 people in the UK are affected by dementia, including one in every 11 over 65.

Symptoms typically vary by the type of dementia but commonly include memory loss, confusion, mood swings, and difficulty speaking or performing daily activities. Although you might assume these are a 'natural part of ageing', health experts stress that this is generally not the case.

Official guidance from the NHS explains: "You might not notice these symptoms if you have them, and family and friends may not notice or take them seriously for some time. In some people, these symptoms will remain the same and not worsen. But some people with MCI will go on to develop dementia.

"Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. This is why it's important to talk to a GP sooner rather than later if you're worried about memory problems or other symptoms."

In severe cases, dementia in loved ones may give rise to potentially dangerous situations that could be noticed around the home. For instance, if a family member now thinks it's 'normal' to put things like metallic dishes in the microwave or raw meat in a cupboard, it could be especially hazardous.

This was explained by Dr Jane Pritchard, Admiral Nurse for The Good Care Group, who has told the Mirror: "If you start to see the electric kettle being placed on the stove, tin foil or metallic dishes in the microwave or plastic being placed into the oven, these are more dangerous signs that an early assessment is needed.

"...It's clear their awareness and forgetfulness are starting to signal a warning sign." At the time, she also added: "We all misplace things occasionally, but in the early stages of dementia, you might find the TV remote in the oven, milk in the cupboard, or food tucked into a bedside drawer.

"There could also be disorganisation, such as drinking glasses being placed in the washing-up bowl with the pots and pans. Cupboards that have been designated for particular items for years might suddenly change. These unusual behaviours can be cause for concern."

If you're worried about your own symptoms or believe someone you know may have dementia, it's important to seek out a GP appointment. Although dementia has no cure, there are treatments available to help manage its symptoms.

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While signs of dementia can vary depending on the type, common symptoms during its onset may include:

• Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word


• Being confused about time and place


• Mood changes


• Difficulty concentrating


• Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping


• Memory loss

For more information, head to the NHS website.