Expert Offers Tips To Navigate The Holidays With Someone Suffering From Dementia

(KNSI) – As you gather for the holidays with older family members, you might notice changes in their behavior.

Minnesota and North Dakota Alzheimer’s Association Chapter Director of Communications Jenna Fink says the disease differs from regular aging, and if you see warning signs in yourself or others, you should take them seriously.

“Alzheimer’s disease is not just memory loss, either. So, there’s a number of other symptoms. People with Alzheimer’s disease experience a decline in these cognitive abilities, such as thinking and understanding and changes in behavior.”

Early symptoms could include asking for the same information repeatedly, relying heavily on Post-It notes and other memory aids, and more that goes way beyond forgetting where your car keys are located.

The holidays involve changes to the normal schedule, family gatherings, and other stresses that greatly impact people who have dementia and Alzheimer’s. Fink says emotions run high this time of year, and a negative shock has the potential to hit hard.

“Some tips for reducing that holiday stress for everyone is really making sure that others know how that person affected by dementia may have changed since they last saw that individual. Holidays are full of emotions, so let guests know what to expect before they arrive.”

KNSI and the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association have a radiothon today, seeking to raise $10,000 for educational outreach and research efforts.

A link to donate is here.

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