Vacations are supposed to be all about relaxing, exploring new places, and making memories. But for some, those getaways can accidentally reveal something more serious — an early warning sign of dementia.
According to Hollie Wynde, a dementia expert from the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line, taking a break from your normal routine — like heading out on a holiday — can sometimes make subtle symptoms more obvious.
“Dementia is a natural part of ageing where nerve cells in the brain are damaged,” Wynde explained. “Different types of dementia affect people differently, especially in the early stages.”
Right now, about one million people in the UK are living with dementia, and worryingly, around a third of them don’t even know it yet, according to Wynde. So what should you watch for, especially while traveling? It turns out that confusion about time or place is a major red flag, and it’s one that often comes up when people are outside their normal environment.
According to Surrey Live, if someone forgets where they are or becomes disoriented during a trip, it could be more than just typical jet lag. The Mirror also notes that it’s not just overseas travel that can trigger symptoms — even a simple disruption to a daily routine can be tough for someone in the early stages of dementia.
Wynde listed several early signs to keep an eye on:
- Memory loss that’s more serious than usual aging
- Trouble organizing thoughts or staying focused
- Struggles with words or communication
- Vision problems
- Getting confused about time or location
- Noticeable shifts in mood or personality
“People often start to forget things more as they get older,” she said. “But for someone with dementia, changes will be different, more serious and will affect their life more.”
But here’s the good news: a diagnosis doesn’t mean you have to stop traveling altogether. The Alzheimer’s Association encourages caregivers and families to still enjoy trips, with the right precautions.
Wynde suggests a few helpful tips:
“Environmental changes can trigger wandering or confusion. Consider enrolling in a wandering response service. It may be helpful to stick with the familiar. Travel to known destinations that involve as few changes in daily routine as possible.”
She also recommends choosing travel options that cause the least amount of stress, and picking destinations that have easy access to emergency services and pharmacies, just in case.
If you’re worried about yourself or someone close to you, the Alzheimer’s Society offers a dementia symptom checklist you can use. You can also call their Dementia Support Line at 0333 150 3456 for more personalized guidance. Traveling might reveal more than you expect, so if something feels off — especially during a vacation — it’s worth paying attention. Early action can make all the difference.