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How to cope with Alzheimer’s or other dementia during the holidays

More than 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and 99,000 people have the disease in Minnesota.

The most wonderful time of the year can feel like the most overwhelming for those coping with a cruel disease.

More than 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and 99,000 people have the disease in Minnesota. And for those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia – along with their caregivers and family – the holidays pose another challenge during an already difficult journey.

On Friday, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Laurie Brickley sat down with KARE 11’s Karla Hult to discuss the challenges – and the opportunities to still find joy, even during the journey, even during the holidays.

Among Brickley’s advice:

  • Adjust expectations;
  • Plan ahead;
  • Communicate to guests about the situation ahead of time (encourage one-on-one conversations);
  • Involve the person living with dementia in simple traditions or holiday-related tasks;
  • Avoid displaying candles or artificial fruit or vegetables;
  • Most importantly, ask for help.

The Alzheimer’s Association does offer specific resources.

The National Institute on Aging also offers this advice for those living with the disease and their caregivers and families.

Full disclosure: Hult also founded So Many Goodbyes after losing her father to Alzheimer’s disease in 2019. You can learn more about her services for families and others in the community here.

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