A sixth of people with dementia spent last Christmas alone and a fifth of families struggled with feelings of guilt and anger as vulnerable relatives were forced into social isolation. These findings from an Alzheimer’s Society survey accompanied the launch of its Christmas appeal, which is raising money to pay for more support.
In its survey of more than 1,000 people affected by dementia, the Society also found that people with the condition were 60% more likely to struggle to recognise family members since last Christmas and two-thirds of family carers feeling anxious about this year’s festivities.
“For many this festive season, the magic of Christmas, will be marred by families having to cope with an unmanageable and irreversible decline in their loved ones,” said Society chief executive Kate Lee.