Celebrity Ambassadors including David Baddiel record dementia support line calls as January spike expected

We're expecting an increase in calls to our dementia support line in the New Year. 

In the last two years, we've seen calls through January grow by 15%, a trend at this time of year since 2022. 

We believe this is partly due to increasing awareness of the importance of an early and accurate diagnosis and ongoing work to dispel the common myth that dementia is just part of getting old.

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.

Celebs re-enact dementia support line calls

Alzheimer’s Society’s Ambassadors including 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 voices to re-enact some of the calls the our 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. 

They can also signpost to other organisations 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 survey about their access to Alzheimer’s Society’s support services, with 96% saying they were more informed, 92% that they 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.

Keeping Christmas calm 

Derek Wiley, 67, and his partner Margaret Gloster, 79, say the calmer they can make the Christmas period the better, since Margaret was diagnosed with mixed dementia in January 2023.

Derek said: “We’ve got the tree and decorations up and as in other years, I’ll be cooking a full Christmas dinner on the day. We choose not to make it too hectic.” 

When asked about her preferred part of Derek’s Christmas dinner, Margaret’s humour didn’t falter, replying with ‘the bit that’s not burnt’.

Reflecting on laughter and joy, the couple say it’s the support of Alzheimer’s Society that has helped them to continue enjoying a life with a dementia diagnosis.

Derek said: “Changes in Margaret’s behaviour and daily tasks became increasingly noticeable a few years before her diagnosis. We didn’t know what to do. 

It was family who said to get in touch with Alzheimer’s Society and we found a local ‘winter café’ online. 

“It was the turning point we needed and it helped to open so many other avenues of contact and support, some we didn’t even know existed or we needed.

“I don’t know where we’d be today without the support from Alzheimer’s Society, in particular our key contact, Michelle, who works for the charity in Essex. She’s helped us to maintain a purpose by getting us involved in so many social activities and presenting opportunities where we can help to make a difference through our lived experience.”

Don't delay seeking dementia support

The couple have their own important message to others who may be worried about themselves or a loved one. Derek said: “Don’t delay seeking help. It can’t make things any worse”. 

Margaret added: “Nobody wants a diagnosis but it is reassuring to know you are not being silly, there’s a disease causing all the things that you cannot explain. Get in touch with Alzheimer’s Society.”

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.”