For families in London, Christmas has changed forever, with almost a third of people with dementia unable to visit loved ones and 36% no longer able to recognise family members
Christmas will never be same for 65% of current carers who say dementia has “robbed” them of a carefree and joyful festive season, a new survey from Alzheimer’s Society reveals today. An estimated 78,600 people in London are living with dementia.
The results from the survey lay bare the devastation caused by dementia, highlighting the emotional and physical impact of the terminal disease on families at Christmas. The charity is releasing these figures as it launches its Christmas Appeal.
It found that since 2022, one third of people with dementia are cut off and unable to visit loved ones, while one in four (24%) people with dementia are no longer able to take part in any Christmas activities and a quarter no longer recognise family or friends. Tragically, one in five (21%) are unable to hold a conversation with loved ones.
The charity also reports that caring for a loved one with dementia at Christmas is taking its toll on carers. Of the dementia carers surveyed in London, 34% said they felt more emotionally drained and 22% felt more physically exhausted. Worryingly, 17% said they were at ‘breaking point’.
London resident, Raymond, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017.
Both he and his wife Cynthia are originally from the Caribbean Island of Trinidad, where Raymond was born and lived until his mid-20s.
Cynthia said “we usually host the family at Christmas, but this year will look a little different. We will be visiting our daughter and son-in-law’s house, so we can relax and have fun. Although, I am sure I will hear my name being called to help with the cooking. We are very lucky, some people will really struggle with this disease around Christmas”.
Following Raymond’s diagnosis, he attends a day centre in Hammersmith that Alzheimer’s Society put him in touch with. However, he admits to being unsure about going at first. ‘But they’ve got two guys there I’m very good friends with. We talk, make jokes and laugh. We chat about football, cricket, anything that’s in the papers.’ Raymond says.
‘What makes it great is the staff – they’re wonderful people. They make you feel happy, and if you need anything they get it for you. I’d recommend it to anybody,’. Raymond adds.
Cynthia, who attends carer support sessions at the same venue, says the service has helped Raymond come to terms with his diagnosis and ‘come alive’, leaving him in a ‘completely different place’ to where he was in 2017.
Jackie Swapp, Regional Manager at Alzheimer’s Society said: “One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime. Christmas should be joyful but for many of the 900,000 people living with dementia and their families, their Christmases have changed forever.
“Too many people are facing dementia alone. We want everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you’re going through, you can turn to Alzheimer’s Society for help.
“Over a quarter of carers (21%) we spoke to say the greatest Christmas gift they could receive would be talking to someone who understands. Our Dementia Advisers are just a call or a click away. They can give someone the guidance, advice, and empathy they desperately need.
“If you’re able to, please help us be there for everyone living with dementia this Christmas whatever the day brings, by donating to our Christmas Appeal.”
Meera Syal CBE and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador said: “I know only too well the devasting impact of dementia after my father died due to the condition, and earlier this year I also lost my mother to a rare form of dementia.
“Our family cared for our parents for over a decade and so understand how emotionally draining and physically exhausting this can be for carers. It’s devastating to know how many other people up and down the UK have reached breaking point.
“I encourage everyone who can this festive season to donate to Alzheimer’s Society’s Christmas Appeal. You will be making a difference to the lives of thousands of people affected by dementia, and that is the greatest gift of all.”
Alzheimer’s Society vows to help end the devastation caused by dementia. For support or to donate to the ’12 Days of Christmas’ appeal visit alzheimers.org.uk/Christmas
