Alzheimer’s Society report aftermath of a ‘lost Christmas’: Sixth of people with dementia spent last Christmas Day alone

Last year a sixth of people (16%) with dementia spent Christmas Day alone, according to an Alzheimer’s Society survey of over 1,000 people affected by dementia1, leaving a fifth of families struggling with feelings of guilt and anger over their ‘lost Christmas’ (17%).  

Alzheimer’s Society announced these figures on launching its Christmas Appeal, calling on the public to donate what they can this Christmas so the charity can reach more people through its desperately needed services.

Latest figures estimate that there are now around 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, despite so many people with the condition having died over the last 18 months, accounting for over one in four deaths from coronavirus.

The survey also found that:

• for nearly a third, a 15-minute visit was the only social contact during week of Christmas
• three-fifths more likely to struggle to recognise family members since last Christmas
• two thirds of family carers feel anxious about the Christmas season, with over a sixth of families having to make changes to usual celebrations because of their loved ones’ increase in symptoms (17%)

Of those who did see someone during the week of Christmas, nearly a third merely had a 15 minute visit from either a neighbour, family member or paid carer (30%) and nearly a half only had visitors to drop off Christmas dinner and presents (44%).

Over a sixth of families are having to change this year’s celebrations to adjust to an increase in symptoms (17%) in their loved ones. Since last Christmas, people affected by dementia have reported that:

• 60% people with dementia are less likely to recognise family members
• 29% find it more difficult to eat
• 35% find it harder to walk

Two thirds of family carers (66%) are already feeling anxious about Christmas, with a quarter now having to cope with increased caring responsibilities due to an increase in their loved ones’ dementia symptoms (24%).

A third are worried they will be left exhausted and won’t get enough respite (30%). This comes after family carers spent 92 million extra hours caring for loved ones with dementia during the pandemic.

Alzheimer’s Society saw a significant spike in demand for its services during the ‘lockdown Christmas’. Calls soared to double the previous year during the Christmas week (146% higher than 2019), remaining high after Christmas too (71% higher than 2019). 

Alzheimer’s Society’s virtual services saw a massive upsurge in searches on its website for topics such as support for carers (88% increase from 2019).

Tragically, one of the most discussed topics on its online community Talking Point was around how to respond to loved ones in care homes asking if they’re coming home for Christmas, with over 1500 even visiting the community on Christmas Day. 

Marlene Aveyard, 70, from Guiseley, who is living with dementia said:

'Last Christmas was the first year I didn’t see my daughter, Jenine, on Christmas Day – and she is 45. Christmas Day itself was horrible.'

I had no special food and I didn’t open any presents, I didn’t feel in the Christmas spirit at all. I’ve never felt so lonely or isolated, I just sat and cried.

'I normally pull myself up when I’m feeling down, but I couldn’t. I’m still getting over what we went through and it was several months before I saw my daughter face to face again. Alzheimer’s Society were my lifesavers when I was diagnosed and kept me on an even keel when I felt at my worst.'

'I can’t thank them enough.'

Kate Lee, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Society added:

'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. As the nation looks to go bigger and better this year to compensate for a Christmas in lockdown, people with dementia need us like never before.'

With your generous donations, we can make sure no-one must face Christmas alone and without adequate support.

The data is yet a further reminder of how people with dementia have been worst hit by the pandemic. Thousands have rapidly deteriorated due to reductions in essential care and support, social isolation, and a lack of routine. Family carers have told Alzheimer’s Society of their exhaustion, reaching breaking point, as they and their loved ones struggle to get support from a social care system in crisis. 

Support Alzheimer's Society this Christmas

Alzheimer’s Society’s Christmas Appeal will help increase capacity to its support services for anyone desperate for somewhere to turn to this festive season. Alzheimer’s Society’s vital support services have been used over 6 million times since the pandemic began in March 2020.

People can also support the charity by attending Alzheimer’s Society’s Carols at Christmas event on the 15 December, hosted by broadcaster Grace Dent, with involvement from Lesley Manville CBE, Sir Jonathan Pryce CBE and Ed Balls, as well as several musical performances.

People can sing-along from the comfort of their own home, with the event being live-streamed. Get your ticket now - prices start from £10.