An expert has pinpointed six behavioural shifts that could indicate dementia, which may become apparent at festive gatherings this holiday season.

Dr Byron Creese, a senior lecturer in psychology at Brunel University with extensive research into dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and its wide array of symptoms, stated: "It is important to look out for behavioural changes, such as agitation, aggression, mood changes, anxiety, social withdrawal and changes in behaviour that were not there before.

"These behavioural symptoms can emerge asnew symptoms in older adults who are cognitively normal, and there is emerging evidence that they might be the first sign of an underlying disease like Alzheimer's in some people."

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He added: "We know that early diagnosis of dementia is really important to help people get the right support. To do that, we need to use every tool at our disposal. Blood tests will likely be important in the future, but we also need to understand the full spectrum of symptoms that might give us clues as to who is most at risk."

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Dr Creese highlighted that alterations in behaviour and personality, not just memory issues, could be significant indicators of dementia. He elaborated: "When these kinds of symptoms occur alongside memory and thinking problems, they seem to signal the greatest risk of dementia compared with memory and thinking complaints alone."

The Alzheimer's Society cautions that these symptoms will intensify as dementia becomes more severe. They state: "As dementia progresses, you may see more changes in the person's behaviour and find this difficult to manage. Looking at their causes and identifying the person's needs can help."

However, they also highlight: "When a person with dementia starts to behave in ways that seem out of character, some people may assume this is a symptom of the condition itself, which isn't always the case. It's important to see beyond the behaviour and think about what may be causing it."

This is due to other factors such as forgetfulness and difficulties with language that can lead to confusion and distress. "Dementia can affect a person's personality and habits, which may lead to changes in behaviour," the charity elaborates.

"For instance, they may no longer be able to pursue activities they enjoy or follow their interests without assistance, or they may exhibit symptoms of depression. Understanding the individual, how they respond to and cope with situations, their preferences, routines and history can aid in providing them support."

Dementia is a condition characterised by issues with memory, behaviour, vision, and movement, resulting from gradual brain deterioration. It's known that nearly one million people in the UK are living with Alzheimer's disease.

If you're worried about a loved one or seeking more information on dementia, the NHS provides an abundance of resources. The NHS's comprehensive guide to dementia is readily accessible with just a click. Additionally, the Alzheimer's Society offers supportive services.