Holiday tips for families affected by Alzheimer’s

47 ABC – The holidays may be an exciting time for many but for those living with Alzheimer’s, it can be extremely stressful.

The Alzheimer’s Association suggests if you have loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia you should make things simple and you should keep the traditions that are the most important because familiarity is key.

Traveling can also cause confusion, as well as large gatherings. But another important factor is making sure you communicate with them.

Carol Zimmerman, from the Alzheimer’s Association says, “Their reality is a little bit different and just saying ‘I just told you that’, if they repeat something or ‘no, that’s not true’, just go with what they say, keep things fairly short statements, not complicated instructions.”

Alzheimer’s affects over five million adults and more than 16 million people care for someone with the disease.

If you’d like access to a 24-hour helpline, you can call 800-272-3900 for more tips.