Quarter of Dementia Patients Feel Unable To Enjoy Christmas

Most people are getting ready to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones, but for many people with dementia, as well as their friends and family, the festive season no longer holds the same excitement or enjoyment as it used to. 

This is according to a survey the Alzheimer’s Society carried out, which revealed a quarter are no longer able to get involved in Christmas activities. 

The findings also showed the same proportion cannot recognise family or friends, while one-fifth are not able to have a conversation with them. 

It is not just dementia patients this affects, but their loved ones and carers too. Indeed, 38 per cent say the festive season leaves them feeling more emotionally drained than usual.

Sadly, one in ten carers say it leaves them at ‘breaking point’ due to the physical and emotional exhaustion of the holiday. 

It is not just the daily care that they need to continue over Christmas, but they also have to deal with extra challenges, such as visiting friends and family, the extra workload of cooking and present buying, and the memories of how it used to be when their loved one was well. 

Nicky Moorey, whose husband of 35 years has dementia, said: “When you see your loved ones unable to participate in the festivities like they used to, it generates a feeling of great sadness and loss at a time of the year that should be filled [with] smiles and laughter.”

Many carers choose to continue to receive their home care services on Christmas Day for their loved one with dementia, as it relieves them of some of the responsibility and allows them to still enjoy some moments. 

Although nothing can take away the sadness of losing a huge part of their loved one to the illness, they can find some relief in handing the reins over to someone else on such a busy and emotionally charged day.