I find it difficult to look people in the eye – I am afraid of finding sympathy there

Obituary: Booth was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2004, while living in Ireland.

‘Empowerment is crucial for people with impaired capacity’ but it isn’t the only thing of value, says Prof Mary Donnelly

Steph Booth on the huge love bringing tough choices. Will this be her last Christmas with Tony?

Apart from force feeding him like a foie gras goose, there is nothing I can do

Steph Booth: ‘I am sitting on the cellar steps. In the dark. Hiding ... Contemplating death seemed rational’

If I pick up Tony early from the day centre, he does not recognise me. There is no smile of recognition

I now find my husband less willing to engage with group activities

In the first of a series of articles for ‘The Irish Times’, Steph Booth explains how she struggled with the news that her husband, the actor Tony Booth, has Alzheimer’s disease