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The Alzheimer’s Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, is a voluntary health organization dedicated to finding preventions, treatments and, eventually, a cure for Alzheimer dementia. |
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ADEAR Use this site to find current, comprehensive Alzheimer's disease (AD) information and resources from the U.S. Government's National Institute on Aging (NIA). |
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The Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading care and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. |
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The old adage has been backed up by a recent study. Findings show that people with a good sense of humor and a propensity to laugh may be less likely to develop heart disease when compared to aggressive, antisocial personalities. So go ahead, laugh and make others laugh. |
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Welcome to YourWeb.Info Shopping Mall! | Alzheimer’s (AHLZ-high-merz) disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. As Alzheimer’s progresses, individuals may also experience changes in personality and behavior, such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions or hallucinations.
Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, new treatments are on the horizon as a result of accelerating insight into the biology of the disease. Research has also shown that effective care and support can improve quality of life for individuals and their caregivers over the course of the disease from diagnosis to the end of life. |
| Alzheimer's: Planning for the Holidays |
By Mayo Clinic staff
If you're caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease, the holiday season may bring mixed feelings and questions about your loved one's needs, his or her capacity to be involved in holiday festivities, and your expectations for yourself. Do any of the following concerns sound familiar to you?
- My husband has changed so much and gets so anxious around people that I'm not sure if I should try to involve him in our family's holiday celebrations.
- I know my family and friends expect me to do a lot of holiday baking.
- I feel guilty just thinking about going to a holiday concert without my spouse.
Thoughtful planning is one way to ensure that you've looked out for the best interests of both your loved one and yourself this holiday season.
When, where and how to celebrate
If your loved one resides in an assisted-living facility or a nursing home, a change of environment may be too stressful. Test the waters by taking your loved one home for a short visit before the holidays to see how it goes.
"For many people with Alzheimer's disease, being taken away from familiar surroundings is overwhelming," says Sheryl Ness, R.N., a clinical nurse researcher at the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
"A change of environment and an abundance of noise and activity may cause them to become confused, angry, anxious or tearful," Ness said. "Even being around family members who they don't see regularly can be distressing."
Instead of having the entire family visit your loved one at the same time, arrange for small numbers of family members to make short visits on different days. This may minimize any confusion or upset.
"This is part of joining your loved one where he or she is at — emotionally and functionally," Ness says. "Keep in mind that people with Alzheimer's disease also tend to tire easily as the day progresses. In more advanced stages of the disease, your loved one may not be aware of the exact day on which a holiday falls."
When loved ones are being cared for at home, it may be possible to involve them in holiday traditions. For example, if your loved one was accustomed to attending a special religious service but isn't able to leave the house, singing holiday songs and reading a beloved scripture or story at home may be a meaningful alternative.
Managing expectations and needs
Consider your needs, as well as those of your loved one. Ness encourages caregivers to preserve their own sense of identity and involvement in favorite activities.
"Caregivers should sustain involvement in family traditions and other social activities that bring them joy," says Ness. "This is part of staying well and maintaining the inner strength to care for their loved ones."
Here are some tips to help you manage your expectations for yourself:
- Pick and choose. Decide which holiday activities and traditions are most important. Remember that you can't do it all. Focus on what you enjoy rather than what you think others might expect of you.
- Simplify. Bake fewer cookies. Host smaller family gatherings. Ask others to provide portions of holiday meals, and use disposable plates and utensils. Write a holiday letter and photocopy it for family and friends instead of sending handwritten cards.
- Delegate. Remember family members and friends who have offered their assistance. Let them help with cleaning, writing cards, gift shopping and baking. Perhaps one could stay with your loved one while you attend a holiday concert.
Preparing your home
If your loved one is at home, follow these suggestions for making it a festive, safe and serene holiday:
- Traditions. Do holiday baking together. Perhaps your loved one can measure flour, stir batter, roll dough into balls or simply watch as you work. Use favorite recipes and ask for advice.
- Decorations. People with Alzheimer's can become disoriented by blinking lights or by decorations that substantially change a familiar environment. If safety is a concern, avoid using candles and stay away from decorations such as artificial fruits that could be mistaken for edible treats.
- Gatherings. Television, conversation and meal preparation all add to the noise and stimulation of an event. Keep things as quiet as possible and encourage your loved one to rest in a quiet place during family get-togethers.
Involving your loved one
Caregivers know best what their loved ones with Alzheimer's disease are capable of doing. To involve those who are residents of assisted-living facilities or nursing homes, find out what holiday activities are planned and consider participating with your loved one there.
If you're caring for a loved one at home, try doing some of these things together:
- Talk about what events you'd like to incorporate in holiday letters.
- Reminisce about people on your holiday card list.
- Read cards you receive together.
- Wrap gifts.
- Talk about your favorite holiday foods.
- Sing holiday songs.
- Take a drive around town to view holiday lights and decorations.
When it's possible, involve small numbers of family and friends in these activities. With a little advance planning, you can make this an enjoyable holiday season for everyone.
Related Information
November 07, 2003
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© 1998-2004 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
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