Alzheimer’s patients CAN cook turkey

BONNIE’S account of the events leading up to her diagnosis is not uncommon. Christmas brings a situation where family members who don’t live with each other suddenly notice changes in personality and behaviour that they didn’t see before.

Symptoms may seem particularly noticeable at this time because, while being a time of celebration, it can also be stressful – and these added stresses exacerbate the anxiety, confusion and uneasiness experienced by people with dementia. If the uncharacteristic confusion persists once the stress of Christmas is over, then it is time to do as Bonnie’s family did and talk to your GP.

It is not the case that someone ‘forgets’ how to write a card or cook a turkey – rather that tasks that are familiar suddenly become a little more complex.

But that doesn’t mean people with dementia can’t cook a turkey. If you ask me, people with dementia can do anything – sky-diving, dancing, you name it – but usually need increasing amounts of help over time. So Christmas doesn’t have to be miserable, it will just be different. A few small adaptations can ease the stress. Familiarity is calming. Have they always hated giving up control of the kitchen? Let them take charge of something, even if it is just peeling the potatoes.

If you notice an increase in noise and they begin to feel anxious, take them for walk to a favourite quiet pub or park, or for a chat in a quiet room. Keep stress to a minimum.

It is wonderful that Bonnie’s illness has not compromised her ability to enjoy Christmas with her family. But for 95 per cent of people with Alzheimer’s, a mix of advanced disease and old age puts huge strain on the family.

But no matter the stage of illness, I see hundreds of families enjoy a joyful, special festive period full of laughter, love and plenty of kitchen disasters. And Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without at least one helping of dodgy gravy…