‘I’ll cook and enjoy the festivities despite diagnosis of dementia’ SAVE £10 WHEN YOU SPEND £20 ON
AMAN who was diagnosed with dementia last year said he first knew something was wrong when he “lost his edge” at work.
Phill Harding, 64, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in August 2022.
The Southport man said he first started noticing signs as early as 10 years before his diagnosis as he felt he had “lost his edge and wasn’t as sharp” in his job as a design engineer.
He said: “When I had the diagnosis I felt blasted away. It was a bad piece of news to hear. I just kept thinking what am I going to do? But then I thought, well, what can I do about it?
“And realised I can’t do anything about the diagnosis but I can change my lifestyle habits. So, I’ve stopped drinking completely. I’ve changed my diet and exercise has helped a great deal. I feel by doing this it’s helped. I’ve certainly not felt any worse.”
Phill has shared his story as part of the Alzheimer’s Society’s Cut Off At Christmas campaign. Data from the charity showed more than a third of people with dementia in the North West are unable to visit loved ones and 29% are no longer able to recognise family members.
Christmas will also never be the same for 65% of current carers who say dementia has “robbed” them of a carefree and joyful festive season, the charity’s survey found.
Over 100,000 people in the North West are living with dementia – and the results from the survey lay bare the emotional and physical impact of the disease on families at Christmas.
Speaking about his own experiences, Phill said: “I love Christmas and have always cooked the Christmas dinner. I’m determined not to let my diagnosis get in the way so I still cook it, even if my approach is a bit different.
“The main problem I have is that now I have to write out a full set of instructions to follow for the whole morning’s cooking. I need someone to check up on me every now and then but otherwise we have just adapted to this format. It’s still a great time of year, and once again I’ll be cooking and enjoying the festivities.”
KATE LEE, ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY
Kate Lee, the chief executive of 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, 27% 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.”
Phill added: “I have good days and bad days. But I try to keep perspective. I see people who are worse off than me and I am not bitter or angry. I try not to feel sorry for myself.”
For support or to donate to the 12 Days of Christmas appeal visit alzheimers.org.uk/ Christmas.
Please help us be there for everyone living with dementia this Christmas