How to Support a Loved One with Alzheimer's During the Holidays

We think all the time, but, for multiple reasons, frequently take for granted the ability to perform this and other mental functions. These come from a process known as cognition, a complex interplay that encompasses thought, memory, logic, decision-making, and much more.

Cognition literally helps form the idea we have of ourselves, and when problems affect this essential function of the brain, it’s harder to hold onto who we are and understand the world around us. This is the reality for millions of people struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, an illness that causes dementia and reduces cognition, making it harder to know ourselves or live on our own.

This illness can be truly difficult to deal with over the winter holidays, so to help loved ones who cope with the effects of Alzheimer’s during the holiday festivities, let’s try to better understand it and examine ways to make life easier.

Residents of Norwood, Anderson, and Westside, Ohio, and Crestview Hills, Kentucky, with family members who have Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can rely on our medical team at Riverhills Neuroscience to help deal with the daily struggles that come with it.

The effect of Alzheimer’s on the mind

This neurodegenerative disease stems from the buildup of two proteins, amyloid and tau. They block the actions of billions of nerve cells over time by forming plaques and tangles that keep them from traveling in your brain. They kill neurons as they continue to build up, causing permanent damage as the signs of Alzheimer’s develop.

This often starts in your memory center, the hippocampus, and, as it worsens, it limits your ability to reason, comprehend, speak, perceive spatial awareness, and alters your personality and mood.

How isolation makes it worse

While many people appreciate being alone at times, social isolation not only increases the risk of developing dementia through stress, but also the emotional strain of not having loved ones around to visit or contact often makes the existing problems more severe. Socialization is essential for all of us, to varying degrees, and dementia patients need it more than ever.

Supporting family with Alzheimer’s during the holidays

Loneliness over the holidays affects millions of people without dementia, so the burden on those struggling can be more severe due to a lack of comprehension and other related problems. To ease their struggle, here’s what you can do: 

Make preparations in stages

This means planning either gathering where they live or taking them to another location to spend time. Coordinating with staff can make transitions easier, as scheduled events, medical visits, and other concerns need to be considered.

Have a checklist when traveling

If you’re driving an Alzheimer’s patient, it’s critical to know what things they may need with them, including medications, related supplies, and things to make them feel comfortable on the journey.

Decorate with familiar items

Placing familiar pictures, keepsakes, and other items can help both keep your loved one happy and more focused on the events around them by allowing them to make associations with things from their past. Be careful when using flammable or breakable items for decorations to avoid accidents.

Limit the number of visitors

You don’t want to overwhelm dementia patients, and routine is vital to their normal activities, so while you may be tempted to bring a bunch of people over to visit during the holidays, it can be more stressful for them to keep track of what’s happening and who’s there. Work with their caregivers to gauge how many people should come by per visit.

Everyone needs love and attention over the holidays, and Alzheimer’s patients need it just as much, if not more. For more questions about managing visits with dementia patients and related issues, call 513-612-1111 to schedule an appointment with our team at Riverhills Neuroscience today.