With the hectic Christmas period on the horizon, many of us are beginning to plan visits to see friends and relatives we haven’t seen in a while.

You might compliment them if they’ve lost weight or have a new hair style, but what would you do if you spotted a significant change in their behaviour and wellbeing since you last saw them?

What if they’re struggling to follow a conversation or TV programme, or even forgetting who you are? Should you just put it down to them getting older, or could it be a sign they’re unwell?

In fact Christmas is often the time when families notice a difference in behaviour and memory of their loved ones, and the Alzheimer’s Society reports a jump in calls to their helpline after Christmas.

The Government launched a multimillion pound national campaign this week to increase early dementia diagnosis, to help families spot the early signs and avoid a ‘crisis point’. There isn’t a cure for dementia but if diagnosed early it can be treated and those affected can lead a better quality of life, taking part in normal day-to-day activities and enjoying prolonged independence.

So what are some of the early signs to look out for in a loved one?

• struggling to remember recent events, although they can easily recall
  things that happened in the past

• finding it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV

• forgetting the names of friends or everyday objects

• difficulty recalling things they have heard, seen or read

• repeating themselves or losing the thread of what they are saying

• having problems thinking and reasoning

• feeling anxious, depressed or angry about their memory loss

• finding that other people start to comment on their memory loss

• feeling confused even when in a familiar environment

If you notice these symptoms you should encourage your relative or friend to visit their GP as early as possible. It can be difficult to raise the issue of dementia with a loved one, however early diagnosis means patients can receive appropriate treatment earlier and can get the care and support to ensure they are able to live well.

Professor Alistair Burns, the National Clinical Director for Dementia offers advice, “Choose a time when you are both relaxed and open to a frank conversation. Make sure you have the chat in a comfortable place where you can talk openly and where there are no other distractions.

You could use specific examples of things you are concerned about to help your loved one understand your worries and explain you are bringing the topic up because you think there could be a medical explanation and it could be something that can be treated and managed.

Remember to keep calm and if the person isn’t receptive to what you’re saying suggest you talk about it again the next time you see them or speak to them.”

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, speak to your GP.