The need for legal and financial support was one of the most common drivers behind calls to Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line in 2023.

The support line, which is staffed by expert dementia advisers, received more than 5,300 calls from people seeking information about legal decisions, such as Lasting Power of Attorney, or money concerns.

There were almost 4,500 calls from people seeking advice and help about the support services they or loved ones could access in 2023. More than 3,500 people called to talk about the emotional toll of dementia.

The number of calls to the Dementia Support Line over the Christmas period increased by 36% in 2023/4 compared to the previous year. Staff predict a busy time this month, as last year the charity dealt with a spike of over 6,600 calls in January, more than 19% higher than the average monthly call volume for all of the previous year. The charity has revealed its services were used over 6.1m times in 2023.

Alzheimer’s Society said families often contact the support line in the New Year after spending more time with relatives over Christmas, and observing changes in their behaviour or concerning symptoms.

Debbie Ellor, senior dementia support line manager at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, and one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime. People have told us that what they need most is advice and one point of empathetic contact, from people who understand dementia, which Alzheimer’s Society can provide.”