Though the holidays can be full of cheer and traditional family celebrations, all this cherished fun and activity can actually be overwhelming for people with dementia. Even individuals with mild memory loss can experience confusion in large family groups.

At our Compass Memory Support Assisted Living communities in the Boston area we deal with questions all the time from family members about how to help their loved ones feel comfortable and included in annual family events and celebrations.

Here are some tips for making the best of the holidays for you and your loved ones:

• If your Mom or Dad is in the early stages of dementia, acknowledge the sense of loss both of you may be feeling. There is no need to pretend that everything is the same. Your parent will be relieved that they don’t have to work so hard maintaining appearances during the holidays.

• Adjust yours and your family’s expectations. You can simplify annual events or traditions to fit what your loved one is able to do in order to include them. Perfect activities for those with memory loss include singing favorite holiday songs, viewing favorite holiday movies together, and looking at old holiday family albums. Trimming the tree, lighting the menorah, and baking are great, too, but be sure you are right there directing and assisting.

• If your Mom or Dad is living with you, do your best to maintain daily structure and routine – eating and napping at the same time of day will help him or her maintain a sense of stability during this busy chaotic time of year.

• If your Mom or Dad is living in a memory support community you should consider having them stay there for the holidays. You can attend holiday parties and celebrations at the community where they may be most comfortable and have the 24-hour support they need. Not taking your Mom or Dad “home for the holidays” may cause you some guilt but often it’s best for the person with dementia to stay in familiar surroundings and stick to their familiar routine.

• When it comes to gifts, simple is best. An album with old photos, a CD of favorite music, or a coffee table book depicting a favorite hobby, pastime or vacation destination are good gifts. Depending on the stage of memory loss, your Mom or Dad may need help opening the package.

As it is with anyone, knowing you are loved and appreciated is the best gift of all. Don’t worry about the fluff – just spend some quality, one-on-one time with your parent during the holidays and you’ll both feel enriched!

Communication with individuals with individuals with Alzheimer’s may take additional time and there are a number of suggestions to make the exchange easier for both individuals:
• Make note of your own body language and posture, keep good eye contact and be at eye level with the individual to set the tone for the exchange
• Let the individual know you are listening and trying to understand what is being communicated
• Remove outside distractions: television, radio, or other extra sensory input
• Try guessing the correct word if an individual with the disease has difficulty with word-finding
• Acknowledge that gestures can also be used to communicate, begin using them yourself
• Focus on the emotion and message being expressed, respond to that if you are not able to understand the words.
• When you are speaking, use short and simple words and sentences. Speak slowly and clearly, repeat what you have said multiple times as needed.
• Wait for a response from the individual, it may take extra time to process what has been said.
• Use a smile and laughter if you are having a difficult time with communication and try again later

From a very young age, human beings thrive on having a recognized role and purpose which provides meaning to life. This need does not change over time because of aging or a dementing illness. In a recent post to the New York Times New Old Age blog, Dr. Cynthia Green described ways to continue to visit with family members with dementia. She recognizes that finding meaningful ways to engage involves knowing what has brought the individual a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and meaning.

Through careful thought and planning, visiting with family members with memory loss can be meaningful for everyone involved. At our communities, those owned and managed by Senior Living Residences, Memory Support Program Directors are always available to assist with ideas for visiting. And family members are always welcome to join in planned programs, events and trips.

Findings from a study reported in the latest issue of Neurology found a potential link between personality and the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. The study questioned just over 500 people about their personality traits and lifestyle. The participants in the study were then followed for six years. Over the six years of follow-up, 144 of the participants developed Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder.

The researchers found that participants who reported being calm and relaxed had a 50% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as compared to others in the study who reported being nervous and easily upset. Regardless of the activity in their social lives, those reporting personality traits marked by calmness and self-satisfaction were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The study also found that outgoing people were more likely to be optimistic about life as compared to their more introverted counterparts.

Researchers note that further study is needed to more fully understand the relationship of personality, lifestyle and risk for Alzheimer’s disease. On a positive note, our understanding of various lifestyle factors that may protect against Alzheimer’s disease is growing. With more insight and information, we can make changes in our lives to protect ourselves from this disease.

Other Resources:
http://ki.se/ki/jsp/polopoly.jsp?a=67778&d=2323&l=en
http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/ADPrevented/

Click here to visit Senior Living Residences

Professionals in the field of Alzheimer’s disease care are responding to this population growth by developing new educational and support programs for people living with the disease. Many of these programs focus on strategies to cope with memory loss, treatment and research options, diagnostic disclosure, and planning for the future. Strong components of the programs also include the opportunity to share information and insights with others with a similar diagnosis.

Research is beginning to show that involvement in early stage education programs can enhance quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Participants gain knowledge to cope with and understand their disease. Additionally, research shows that participation in an educational program can promote changes in behavior that include exercise and diet modifications as well as increased participation in financial and health planning. Finally, participants in these education programs were more likely to seek out support and to join an ongoing early stage support group.

With a growing number of early stage education and support groups available, the evidence shows that these programs can offer great benefit to individuals as they learn to cope with and live with the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Other Resources:
http://www.alzmass.org/aspcalendar
http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm
http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~boke/esad2005.pdf

Click here to visit Senior Living Residences

If you are concerned about your parent or loved one, please review some of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder:

• Memory Loss: Changes in recall occur as we age. Forgetting an occasional appointment or taking a moment to think of an acquaintance’s name is normal. Frequently forgetting appointments, names, and necessary tasks without the ability to recall the information later is cause for concern.
• Changes in Judgment: People with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder have difficulty making judgments. They may make poor financial decisions, dress inappropriately for bad weather, or make unsafe decisions with regard to home safety or a home emergency.
• Difficulty with Familiar Tasks: People with Alzheimer’s disease have difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as preparing and serving a meal, paying bills, and shopping for household items. The ability to plan and execute the task is noticeably affected.
• Disorientation: People with Alzheimer’s disease may become disoriented about the time of the day or the date of the month. They may also experience difficulty navigating in familiar areas, getting lost or taking longer than expected when traveling from one place to another.
• Problems with Language: Occasionally searching for the right word is normal. Frequently searching for words, using an incorrect word in sentences, and having difficulty understanding what others are saying are signs of significant memory problems.

If you notice any of the signs and symptoms listed here, please seek assistance through your family physician and your nearest Memory Diagnostic Clinic. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine what is causing problems with memory. Though it may be frightening to see these changes, it is important to find out the cause of them and to seek care and treatment as soon as possible.

Other Resources:
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_symptoms_of_alzheimers.asp
http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/sevensigns.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers/AZ00017

Click here to visit Senior Living Residences

• Focus on remaining skills and abilities to provide a role for the person with AD in holiday plans and preparations. For example, if your family traditions include cookie baking, have the person with AD roll the dough or decorate the cookies. Despite losing the ability to follow a recipe in its entirety, the individual remains actively involved in the tradition.
• Plan for successful visits and family gatherings by taking into account the number of people present, time of day, and noise level. A very large gathering may be too stimulating and confusing for someone with AD. Also, a morning or early afternoon party may be better than evening, which can be a more difficult time of day.
• If gift giving is a part of your holiday traditions, provide gifts for the person with AD that are based on current interests and abilities, hand lotion, a simple family photo album, music, or a magazine subscription can be good choices. Also, remember that the individual with AD may want to give gifts. Offer assistance with this.
• For someone with AD living in an assisted living community, there are additional opportunities to celebrate. Family members and friends can attend holiday activities and parties as well as bringing some of their own family traditions to the community. When choosing whether or not to bring a relative with AD home for celebrations, consult community staff about daily routines and needs. Also consider a special family gathering at the community right before or after the holiday depending on your own schedule and needs.

Continued involvement in traditions can provide a feeling of belonging, accomplishment, and enjoyment for the individual with AD. The familiar sights, smells and sounds of the season can provide time for reminiscing with family and friends, linking past and present.

Other Resources:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/holidayhints.htm
http://www.alz.org/national/documents/topicsheet_holidays.pdf
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers/HQ00213

Click here to visit Senior Living Residences

It is important to know that the person with Alzheimer’s or dementia has an altered state of reality and may show signs of aggression, paranoia, hallucinations, irritability or anxiety.

People with Alzheimer’s and related memory disorders have a lower threshold to stress and stimulation. Maintaining structure, consistency and daily rituals are vital in maintaining a balance of activity and success in navigating the day to day. The first line of defense in managing challenging behaviors is the non-pharmaceutical or behavioral approach.

Here are some tips to help you cope with the negative effects of Alzheimer’s disease:

Prevent frustration. Watch for signs of over-stimulation or confusion. Avoid loud noises and clutter. Turn off the television if you want to have a conversation and try to phrase questions so they may be answered simply. Distraction can be a very effective approach to managing challenges. If a person is having trouble putting on a sweater, simply do something else and then try again in a little while.

Avoid confrontation. Do not argue or try to reason if presented with a challenging behavior. Even if your family member is yelling or criticizing you, avoid expressing anger or impatience in return. Try softening or quieting your tone. Fatigue is the most common denominator in outbursts – for the person with Alzheimer’s and the family caregivers!

Be positive. Use positive expressions and humor when appropriate to diffuse tense situations. Remain calm. Use a gentle touch to reassure (if the person is willing to accept it). Build in periods of relaxation into the daily routine, such as sitting in a rocking chair or favorite recliner with a cup of tea.

Don’t take the behavior personally. Remember that this is part of the illness. It can be stressful to relate to a family member who is combative even when you understand the source of the behavior.

Dealing with hallucinations. If your family member is hallucinating that they had a conversation with a deceased family member and this was a pleasant experience for them, go along with their reality. However, if the hallucination (or any behavior) causes fear and distress it is vital to request a medical evaluation. Difficult behaviors that persist or have the potential to cause harm need to be attended to by a skilled and knowledgeable physician. The behavior may be rooted in a physical cause such as pain or side-effects of prescriptions. Pharmaceutical interventions may be warranted to reduce and manage anxiety, hallucinations and paranoid behavior.

Online Resources:
Behaviors
Alzheimer’s care: Practical tips

Click here to visit Senior Living Residences

It’s a disease
Even young children can be taught that Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects the brain. The Alzheimer’s Association has compiled a list of resources appropriate for children. Books may help your child better understand the disease and to realize that their feelings are normal. Reassure your child that Alzheimer’s is not contagious. Scientists are researching causes and treatment options. Explain that the disease makes it hard to remember names and faces or may cause them to feel lost or confused easily.

Visiting Tips
Have your child help plan an activity for each visit. Set a time limit in advance. Even 15-20 minutes together can be a good visit. Emphasize that love and affection are appreciated even if names are forgotten. Teach your child that is important not to argue with a person with Alzheimer’s and that it is okay to ask for help if they feel intimidated. Relax, smile, and speak clearly.

10 Activities for your Visits

[*]Color pictures
[*]Read a story out loud
[*]Look at travel books
[*]Listen to music
[*]Toss a ball
[*]Make a scrapbook
[*]Watch a sports game
[*]Brush or comb each other’s hair
[*]Play with dominos
[*]Assemble a puzzle

Feelings
Your child may express a range of emotions regarding your parent’s Alzheimer’s. Encourage your child to talk with you about how he feels before or after a visit with your parent; it’s okay to be afraid or even angry. If your child acts indifferent or ignores your parent she may be scared to interact—try watching a video together next visit to help your child feel comfortable. Addressing your child’s feelings directly will help you work together to develop coping skills. Remember – Alzheimer’s disease affects the whole family.

Online Resources:
http://www.seniorlivingresidences.com/how-to-have-a-good-visit
http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_just_for_kids_and_teens.asp
http://kidshealth.org/kid/grownup/conditions/alzheimers.html

(Categories: Family Partnership)

Click here to visit Senior Living Residences