The stealth symptoms of killer diseases you might spot in loved ones this Christmas
CHRISTMAS is full of joy and family fun, right?
Until grandma is snoring on the sofa, your uncle is complaining of heartburn and your dad has had one too many tipples.
While relatively normal during the festive season, these can all be signs of serious health conditions.
It comes after the NHS yesterday told families to look out for dementia symptoms in relatives this Christmas, encouraging anyone with health concerns to come forward as soon as possible.
Dr Jeremy Isaacs, NHS England National Clinical Director for Dementia 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 a chance to spot the signs of this condition.”
Here, Vanessa Chalmers and Lucy Gornall reveal the red flags for dementia and five other big killers you can act on now for a healthier 2025.
1. DEMENTIA
SIGNS IN YOUR LOVED ONE
IT’S very common for family members to spot red flags of undiagnosed dementia before the person themselves.
According to Katie Puckering, information services manager for Alzheimer’s Research UK, early signs of the condition “might be getting family members’ names mixed up or getting disorientated around someone else’s home, for example, not being able to find the main living room after using the bathroom.”
Changes in the daily routine can also be confusing. Katie explains: “Sitting down for a big family meal at 3pm can be disorientating in the early stages of dementia.”
Early dementia causes a person to repeat themselves or struggle to follow the conversation topic.
It can also cause withdrawal and anxiety.
There is also a way to pick up on changes in the Christmas cards you receive from family members.
“You might notice their handwriting is shaky or the words are jumbled,” says Katie.
“If anyone is concerned about someone, the best thing to do is to speak with them honestly and openly about what they’re noticing.”
SIGNS IN YOURSELF
MEMORY blips here and there are a normal part of ageing which might become more apparent from one year to the next.
Fran Vandelli, a dementia expert at Bupa Care Services, says: “If you can remember what you are trying to recall but it just takes a little longer, it is not usually anything to worry about.
“However, if you are struggling to remember recent events, conversations or where you have put things, you might be worried.
“It is important to look out for other signs too, like getting lost in familiar places, struggling to follow conversations, having difficulties speaking and understanding and getting easily confused over everyday tasks like cooking, housework or driving the car.”
2. DIABETES
SIGNS IN YOUR LOVED ONE
DIABETES is when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the insulin that is produced does not work properly, to regulate blood sugars.
A change in levels of activity and indulging more may set blood sugar levels on a rollercoaster at Christmas.
Natasha Marsland, a senior clinical advisor at Diabetes UK, says: “There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and 2. There are four key symptoms for type 1 diabetes to look out for that we call the 4Ts – toilet, thirsty, tired, thinner.”
Is your partner going to the toilet unusually frequently, waking you up at night to do so?
Perhaps they have lost weight and are looking thinner than usual, despite the time of year, or napping during the day.
Type 2 diabetes causes these symptoms, too, plus a fruity or sweet-smelling breath.
But many of the symptoms may be more noticeable to yourself.
SIGNS IN YOURSELF
THERE are many high-salt foods at Christmas but, if you cannot shift your thirst and are peeing more often, it could also be a sign of undiagnosed diabetes.
The last thing you need when cooped up for three days is genital itching.
But this, alongside wounds that won’t heal and blurry vision, are warning signs of type 2.
Natasha says: “Type 2 diabetes can be easier to miss than type 1 diabetes because the symptoms may not be so obvious. Ask your GP for a blood test because the longer type 2 diabetes remains undiagnosed, the greater the risk of long-term complications.”
Skin changes can also happen if blood sugars have not been controlled for a long time.
Dr Tony Fincham, a GP at Benenden Hospital, says: “In women, a skin breakout may be related to the menstrual cycle. However, if this is a new symptom, there is a chance it could be a sign of type 1 diabetes.”
3. PARKINSON’S DISEASE
SIGNS IN YOUR LOVED ONE
HAVE you noticed a change in your love life?
Duncan Reid, of Pharmacy2U, says: “Parkinson’s disease can affect many aspects of a person’s life, including their sex life.
“Reduced libido or sexual desire can be linked to changes in dopamine levels, involved in motor control and feelings of pleasure.
“Men with Parkinson’s might face erectile dysfunction, while women can experience vaginal dryness, and both may have difficulty achieving orgasm. Other symptoms include muscle stiffness or reduced mobility, which may make intimacy physically challenging.”
A change in mood, such as new anxiety or depression, may also be signs of Parkinson’s.
But the most obvious sign is shaking, especially when using your hands.
It is typical for older relatives to be a bit “doddery”, but have you noticed they are particularly off balance, or had a fall recently?
This, along with drooling or excessive sweating, are signs of Parkinson’s.
SIGNS IN YOURSELF
STRUGGLING with writing, buttoning a shirt or pressing phone buttons may also become apparent with a tremor.
And if you realise that you are not picking up on all the lovely festive smells, it might be time to get checked, too.
Duncan says: “One early sign of Parkinson’s is a loss or reduction in your sense of smell, which might make it harder to notice the aroma of Christmas cooking or mulled wine.
“Called hyposmia, it is often overlooked but can appear years before other Parkinson’s symptoms.
“Another sign is difficulty swallowing, which might make enjoying festive meals challenging.
“This can manifest as coughing or choking while eating, or a sensation that food is stuck in your throat.”
4. BOWEL CANCER
SIGNS IN YOUR LOVED ONE
SURPRISED at how little your dad, mum or grandparent has eaten at Christmas lunch?
A loss of appetite could be a sign of cancer, including bowel cancer.
Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, says: “A constant feeling of fullness can occur if there’s a blockage or tumour in the bowel.
“Sharp or ongoing abdominal pain is something to take seriously.”
If the pain feels localised to one area and doesn’t ease off after food has digested, it is a concern – and Kiran warns “don’t delay” until the new year to address it.
“Bowel cancer can cause anaemia, as blood loss in the bowel reduces the number of red blood cells in your body, leading to exhaustion,” he adds.
Difficulty staying awake or getting involved with Christmas activities, therefore, could be signs, along with shortness of breath and headaches.
SIGNS IN YOURSELF
ONLY you will see what is in the toilet bowl and it is important to check.
Signs of bowel cancer include blood in stools – including on toilet paper – and changes in stools such as diarrhoea or constipation.
Bowel habits commonly change at Christmas, given the indulgences.
But Kiran says: “If these symptoms continue well after the festive feast, it might be time to seek medical advice.”
Continuous bloating, especially if it gets progressively worse, is also a sign of bowel cancer, as well as stomach or ovarian cancers.
Kiran says: “Bloating shouldn’t last for longer than a few hours after you’ve finished your Christmas dinner and, if it lasts longer than a few days, it can indicate gut health issues, or worse, bowel cancer, and should be checked out.”
5. ADDICTION
SIGNS IN YOUR LOVED ONE
DO you have a family member who is suddenly much more argumentative this Christmas?
Frequent rows and fights or neglecting hygiene could be a sign of alcoholism.
Lester Morse, Rehabs UK founder and director says: “The behavioural changes that result from addiction are often the first signs of a problem that loved ones notice. The individual will seek out and use drugs or alcohol even when the substance use negatively impacts health, relationships, and daily functioning.”
The normalisation of heavy drinking makes it harder to spot signs of alcoholism.
Besides, people with a problem often drink in secret.
Lester says: “Loved ones may notice that their family member is less social or secretive about how time is spent.
“New friends may appear in their life, with little explanation as to how they met.”
Avoid confronting the issue when your relative is drunk, when they are more likely to deny or justify their use.
Lester adds: “Talk about the effect their drinking has on whatever the person cares about most, such as career or children. They may not be concerned about their own situation.”
SIGNS IN YOURSELF
IF you are wondering whether your own drinking has crossed the line, Lester says: “Consider whether alcohol is costing you more than money.
“Your drinking may have started to edge out activities that you used to enjoy.
“Similarly, it may be preventing you from keeping up with responsibilities at home, work or school.”
If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, contact your GP or speak to Rehabs UK treatment advisors.
6. HEART PROBLEMS
SIGNS IN YOUR LOVED ONE
HEART attacks are more common at Christmas time, studies suggest.
Emily McGrath, a senior cardiac nurse at British Heart Foundation, explains: “Never ignore chest pain and assume it’s caused by indigestion, especially if it continues over an extended period.
“Angina feels like pressure, tightness or squeezing in your chest and the pain may feel sharp or like a dull ache. You might also feel it in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. Heart attack symptoms vary for each person.”
They include sudden pain or discomfort in your chest that doesn’t go away.
It can spread to your left or right arm, or to your neck, jaw, back or tummy.
Emily says: “For some, the pain or tightness is severe, while for others it’s uncomfortable.
“It may feel like heaviness or a pain similar to indigestion.”
Feeling sick, sweaty, light-headed, anxious or short of breath are also signs to call 999.
Swollen feet or ankles can be a sign of coronary heart disease – the leading cause of heart attacks and most commonly diagnosed type of heart disease in the UK.
Other symptoms you may spot include sweating or pale, ashen skin.
SIGNS IN YOURSELF
FEELING short of breath on the dog walk?
Emily says: “If you feel short of breath doing every day activities and haven’t experienced this before, it is important to get this checked out.
“It may be expected if you are suffering with a respiratory problem such as a cold, but it could also be a sign of something more serious.”
Dr Fincham adds: “In older people, feeling dizzy when standing is often a symptom of their medication. If it’s a recent symptom, excluding any new medications, and progresses, then seek medical help.”
Emily says: “Dizziness, light headedness and palpitations can be signs of an irregular heart rhythm and should not be ignored.
“Please do not hesitate to contact 111 or 999.”