Press Releases

With Baseball Opening Day Approaching, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Provides Tips to Help Fans Maximize Their Brain Health While Enjoying the Game

March 23, 2026– Baseball season officially begins this week, and there’s an added benefit to enjoying our national pastime this season: it can be good for your brain. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is encouraging fans to follow the “B.A.S.E-path for Good Brain Health” while watching baseball games this season to help maximize the benefits to their brain health. 

“Baseball can bring more than just fun and enjoyment; it can exercise your brain and improve your cognitive health,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Senior Director of Educational & Social Services. “Whether you’re in the stands at the stadium or a seat in your home, taking a few steps while watching the game can maximize the benefits to your brain, which is always a home run.”  

Follow the B.A.S.E-path for Good Brain Health throughout the baseball season:

Buddy up while watching the game: Watching and discussing the game with others provides social engagement and connection, both of which are extremely beneficial for brain health. These two activities improve cognition, enhance mood, and also reduce depression and stress. Conversely, loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher rates of cognitive decline and dementia.

Analyze the action: Actively thinking, reasoning, and examining information all keep the brain sharp. Analyzing in-game situations, like predicting what pitch may be thrown or whether a baserunner will try to steal, exercises your brain by making it process new information. Challenging your brain can help preserve memory and reasoning skills.

Savor the past: Positive memories, such as your favorite team’s memorable victories, a favorite player’s accomplishments, or a trip to the ballpark, help exercise your brain and reduce stress which can harm memory and cognitive function.

Engage younger generations: One of baseball’s most treasured aspects is the bond created among people of different ages, especially fathers and grandfathers with younger generations. Engaging with younger people can involve teaching, explaining concepts, or sharing memories. Those actions exercise the brain, as it retrieves past experiences and memories and connects them to present conversations. Positive intergenerational interactions generate joy, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of contributing. All of this can reduce stress and anxiety and elevate spirits.

Additional information about brain healthy lifestyle tips can be found by visiting AFA’s website at www.alzfdn.org or by calling AFA’s Helpline at 866-232-8484. The Helpline is available seven days a week. 

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Offers Tips for a Dementia-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day

March 11, 2026— St. Patrick’s Day and green go hand-in-hand, which is why the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is providing G.R.E.E.N. tips to help those caring for loved ones with dementia celebrate the holiday in a dementia-friendly way.

“St. Patrick’s Day can still be fun and festive for someone living with dementia, but it may require a few adaptations,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Senior Director of Educational and Social Services. “Taking simple, proactive steps to make the celebration dementia-friendly will go a long way towards ensuring that loved ones with dementia can enjoy and participate in the festivities.”

AFA encourages families to follow these G.R.E.E.N. tips for a dementia-friendly St. Patrick’s Day:

Go Small and Simple: Noisy and crowded gatherings, such as parades, restaurants, bars, and parties, can be disorienting and distressing for someone living with dementia. Celebrate in a familiar, calm setting and choose dementia-friendly activities: watching a parade on TV or enjoying Irish-themed foods at home are enjoyable and soothing things to do. If there are several people involved, keep the group small and build activities around the person’s regular daily routine. Changes in schedule can be challenging.

Replace alcohol: Dementia can heighten alcohol’s negative effects on the brain, leading to confusion, mood changes, and reduced cognitive function. If your loved one with dementia wants to raise a glass to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, provide a drink such as non-alcoholic beer, non-alcoholic whiskey, or sparkling cider.

Embrace the color green: Green symbolically represents St. Patrick’s Day and is also a calming color for those living with dementia. Plan activities that incorporate the color green, such as a green-themed sensory experiences with green objects, fabrics, and textures. These will provide stimulation and engagement without overwhelming the senses. Try offering a green scarf or blanket or a green-themed dementia-friendly treat such as green Jello or sugar cookies with light green frosting. Taking a “green” walk is another relaxing activity; take a short walk outside and look for anything green—it could be trees, grass, decorations.

Enjoy music together: Music and singing stimulate memory, help the brain stay active, and foster engagement. Listen to Irish music and sing along together to familiar songs. Keep the volume low and stay away from fast or loud music.

Nurture creativity: With your loved one, make simple St. Patrick’s Day decorations together, such as shamrocks, leprechaun hats, or rainbows. You can arrange green and white flowers in a vase, which will stimulate the mind and senses. This activity also creates feelings of accomplishment and pleasure.

AFA’s Helpline, staffed entirely by licensed social workers who are specifically trained in dementia care, can provide additional information and support for families. The Helpline is available seven days a week by phone (866-232-8484), text message (646-586-5283), and web chat (www.alzfdn.org).

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Offers Four Tips for a Dementia-Friendly Valentine’s Day

February 10, 2026— Valentine’s Day can take a different form for families impacted by dementia, as loved ones may be unable to express emotions, communicate, or remember shared moments as they did before the onset of dementia. To support families and caregivers, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is encouraging people to show C.A.R.E. — four dementia-friendly tips for celebrating Valentine’s Day with someone living with memory loss.

“Dementia may change how someone engages with the world, but it does not diminish their ability to feel love, comfort, and connection,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Senior Director of Educational and Social Services. “With thoughtful adjustments, families can create meaningful moments that honor their bond on Valentine’s Day and beyond.”

AFA encourages families to follow the four C.A.R.E. tips to create a dementia-friendly Valentine’s Day:

Chat About Past Experiences Together: Reminiscing can foster emotional connection and provide positive cognitive stimulation; however, asking questions like “Do you remember?” might cause frustration for someone living with memory loss. Instead, share stories as gentle reminders of a shared history. Browse old photos, describe where they were taken, talk about favorite vacations or celebrations, and highlight meaningful memories. This shared reflection can strengthen your emotional bond without putting pressure on your loved one.

Add Comforting Sensory Experiences: A bouquet of fragrant, non-toxic flowers—such as roses, orchids, or sunflowers—can brighten the moment as well as stimulate the senses. You can also enjoy soothing or familiar music together, touch soft fabrics, or share a favorite dessert. Simple sensory experiences can be uplifting for someone living with dementia, while comfort and familiarity help reduce anxiety and promote emotional well-being.

Reinforce Connection in Any Form: Intimacy and connection may change, but they do not disappear. Whether it’s holding hands, taking a short walk, watching a familiar movie, or enjoying a meal together, small and shared activities can foster closeness. Nonverbal expressions—smiles, gentle touch, eye contact—can speak volumes when verbal communication becomes difficult. Create and adapt to what feels natural and reassuring for your loved one.

Express Your Feelings Openly: Writing a Valentine’s card can be a powerful gesture—both for you and your loved one. Read the message aloud so they can hear the warmth behind your words. Even if they cannot fully process every sentence, they may still feel the emotional tone. Expressing affection through kind words, acts of service, or other “love languages” meaningful to them will strengthen your bond.

AFA’s Helpline, staffed entirely by licensed social workers who are specifically trained in dementia care, can provide additional information and support for families. The Helpline is available seven days a week by phone (866-232-8484), text message (646-586-5283), and web chat (www.alzfdn.org).

Wandering is a common and potentially dangerous behavior among individuals living with dementia. 

January 21, 2026 – Arctic blasts and polar vortexes are causing dangerously cold, frigid conditions in areas across the country; in some cases, sub-zero wind chills and near-record low temperatures. These extreme conditions are especially dangerous for someone living with dementia who might wander, which is why the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is advising their family caregivers about important steps they should take to reduce the risk of wandering.

Wandering is a common and potentially dangerous behavior in individuals living with dementia. Someone who wanders can quickly become lost or disoriented, be unable to remember how to get back home, or know how or who to call for help. They may also leave home without dressing appropriately for the weather. Cold winter weather adds to the dangers of wandering with the risks of hypothermia, injuries from slipping on ice or snow, and reduced visibility all being risks. Additionally, dementia-related illnesses can impair a person’s ability to recognize when they are too cold or at risk of hypothermia.

“Extreme cold weather conditions magnify the dangers that someone with dementia faces if they wander away from safety. Family caregivers need to understand the risk factors and warning signs of wandering and act quickly to address them,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Senior Director of Educational and Social Services. “Take steps now to help reduce the chances that your loved one with dementia will wander and ensure you’re prepared if an emergency arises.”

AFA encourages family caregivers to follow these protective steps:

Safeguard the home. Objects such as car keys, jackets, and purses, especially when left near a door, can prompt your loved one to leave suddenly. Avoid leaving these items out in the open. Most people living with dementia are more likely to wander outside when environmental cues trigger confusion or curiosity — and snow can definitely be one of those triggers. Consider closing the blinds/curtains so the person does not see the snow outside.

Watch for warning cues. Wandering often stems from an unmet need or desire (i.e., hunger, thirst, a need to use the bathroom, a wish to engage in an activity, a desire to follow an old routine). Look for signs that the person may need something (i.e., restlessness can be a sign that the person may need to be more actively engaged) and quickly address this to reduce the chances of wandering. Sometimes, wandering can be a form of communication, especially if the person’s verbal skills are impaired. Watch for signs that loved ones are frightened, anxious, stressed, or overstimulated, and take action to soothe, reassure, and redirect them.

Know your loved one’s patterns. Know what times of the day may be more triggering than others and provide activities during those periods. Encourage healthy sleep habits to reduce chances the person might leave in the middle of the night. If your loved one does wander, keep a record of their patterns (frequency/time of day, where they were found, etc.) to help guide you in the future.

Provide alternative activities. Walking outdoors can bring a feeling of purposefulness and engagement for someone living with dementia, especially if they previously lived an active lifestyle and enjoyed the outdoors. Look for consistent and sustainable ways to provide these active experiences in a safe environment: create walking paths around the home with visual cues, engage the person in simple tasks, and provide cognitively stimulating activities (i.e. music, crafts, crossword puzzles).

Develop/update your safety plan. Compile or update relevant information (i.e., recent close-up photo, medical information, a list of places the person may go) so that it can be given quickly to first responders in an emergency. Keep a list of people to contact if the person is missing and ask neighbors to call you if they see the person out alone. See if your community has a safety program for families affected by dementia, such as Project Lifesaver. You can then voluntarily enroll your loved one in this program. Through the program, first responders can activate the technology if the person wanders. When possible, encourage and utilize wishes and input from the person when developing this plan.

AFA’s Helpline, staffed entirely by licensed social workers who are specifically trained in dementia care, can provide additional information about wandering prevention tips. The Helpline is available seven days a week by phone (866-232-8484), text message (646-586-5283), and web chat (www.alzfdn.org).

Teens Invited to Share How Alzheimer’s Has Impacted Their Lives for the Chance to Win Scholarships from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

January 12, 2026— The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering scholarships of up to $5,000 to college-bound high school seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related illnesses as part of its annual Teen Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship. Entries can be submitted at www.alzfdn.org/scholarship and must be received by Wednesday, April 1 at 5 pm ET.

Eligible teens are invited to apply for the scholarship by submitting an essay (1,500 words maximum) or submitting a video (no more than four minutes long) describing how Alzheimer’s disease has shaped their lives, what they have learned about themselves, their family and/or their community through their experience with Alzheimer’s, and how they plan to advocate or raise awareness in the future.

The contest recognizes the emotional, academic, and personal challenges young people often face when a loved one is living with the disease. By amplifying student voices, the program aims to raise awareness, foster empathy, and support the next generation as they pursue higher education while honoring the resilience shown by families affected by Alzheimer’s.

Examples of ways that Alzheimer’s impacted a student’s life can include:
· Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness
· Helping care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness
· Volunteering or working in a care setting that serves individuals with dementia
· Raising Alzheimer’s awareness in their school or community
· Conducting Alzheimer’s research

The program is open to current high school seniors living in the United States who will be attending a U.S. college or university this Fall. Students already attending college are not eligible to participate.

The top prize awarded is a $5,000 scholarship. Additional prizes are awarded for runners up and honorable mentions. More than $527,000 in college scholarships have been awarded since the program’s inception.

AFA provides these scholarship funds through the generous support of charitable donors. Individuals wishing to support this and other programs and services for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease can do so by visiting www.alzfdn.org/donate or calling AFA at 866-232-8484.

Collaborative Program with Emory Goizueta Brain Health Institute, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Performance Hypothesis Exploring How Arts Can Positively Impact the Brain and Overall Health

January 8, 2026 – The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America awarded Emory University’s Goizueta Brain Health Institute (Emory Goizueta BHI) a $200,000 grant to advance groundbreaking research exploring how artistic engagement may promote brain health and emotional well-being.

The grant supports a new community-based participatory research collaboration in Atlanta, Arts + Health Laboratory: Georgia’s NeuroArts Coalition, a partnership involving Emory, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), and Performance Hypothesis. The coalition aims to investigate how the arts improve both brain and overall health and use scientific findings to expand access to arts-based programs statewide. The team will evaluate the program’s impact on joy, respite, connection, and changes in behavior and mood, with the long-term goal of replicating the model in communities nationwide.

According to Emory Goizueta BHI, there have been remarkable advancements in music therapy for individuals with brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke, and that research has shown that attending concerts and other arts events can improve memory and semantic fluency.

“Music is more than just entertainment; it can be beneficial to brain health and a valuable therapeutic tool,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President and CEO. “By investing in research that explores how creative engagement can support brain health, we are helping advance new, community-centered approaches that offer hope, connection, and improved quality of life for individuals impacted by cognitive change. We are pleased to support this research project led by Emory University’s Goizueta Brain Health Institute.”

This initiative contributes to the growing NeuroArts movement, which examines how creative experiences—including music—can produce measurable health benefits. Emory Goizueta BHI aims to deepen understanding of how arts-based interventions can help preserve and restore brain health across the lifespan, including how engagement with music may strengthen emotional well-being and social connection among individuals living with cognitive change and their care partners.

Monica Parker, MD, who is heading the research team, and is the Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement (ORE) core lead for Emory’s Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, said, “We are eager to learn how music may improve the mood and quality of life of those persons and families living with cognitive impairments.” Dr. Parker is also Chair of AFA’s Medical, Scientific, and Memory Screening Advisory Board.

Familiar music can stimulate memory recall and positive emotions as the brain regions associated with musical response are often among the last to deteriorate in dementia. Listening to music may also decrease cortisol levels, helping to ease anxiety and promote relaxation. Because agitation is one of the main common and challenging symptoms caregivers face, music provides a feasible and low-cost alternative to medications or restraints, which can carry significant risks.

The program builds on a successful 2024 pilot program, which provided free tickets to live ASO performances for more than 300 participants. Emory Goizueta BHI found exceptionally strong outcomes; one hundred percent of program participants reported experiencing excitement and joy, while 84 percent conveyed increased connection and 64 percent observed positive changes in behavior or mood in the person living with dementia.

AFA is able to fund research projects such as this through the generosity of individuals and organizations. Those wishing to make a donation to support AFA’s research efforts can do so by clicking here or calling AFA at 866-232-8484.

“It’s Never Too Soon to Start Practicing Healthy Aging”

(December 30, 2025) — With the new year on the horizon, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is encouraging people of all ages to make healthy aging a priority in 2026.

“Healthy aging is a resolution everyone should make and keep, because the benefits last far beyond the new year,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president & CEO. “Lifestyle choices can influence a person’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness, as well as other health conditions. Incorporating these small steps into your life will go a long way to promoting good brain health and healthy aging.”

AFA encourages individuals to take the following ten steps:

1. Eat Well – Adopt a low-fat diet high on fruits and veggies, like strawberries, blueberries and broccoli. Take daily vitamins. Limit intake of red meats, fried and processed foods, salt and sugar. Generally, foods that are “heart heathy” are also “brain healthy.” Make sure to consult with your doctor about what is an appropriate diet based on your medical needs.

2. Stay Active – Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and can also help improve mood and overall wellbeing. Brisk walking benefits brain health, while aerobics can boost your heart rate, and weight training builds strength and flexibility. Try out different activities until you find one that works for you.

3. Learn New Things – Challenge your brain by starting a new hobby like playing tennis, learning to speak a foreign language, trying a cooking class, or something you haven’t done before. Even something as simple as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand stimulates the brain by forcing it to think outside of its normal routine.

4. Get Enough Sleep – Getting a consistent, quality sleep every night is key; at least seven to nine hours is ideal. Having a good sleep environment is also helpful. Insomnia or sleep apnea can have serious physical effects and negatively affect memory and thinking. If you are having difficulty with your sleep, be sure to speak with your doctor about it.

5. Mind Your Meds – Medication can affect everyone differently, especially as you age. Keep your doctor or local pharmacist updated on any changes with medications and have them review your drug list as medications can interact with each other.

6 .Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol – Smoking can increase the risk of serious illnesses, while too much alcohol can affect memory, impair judgment and present safety issues.

7. Stay Connected – Social interaction and maintaining an active social life are very important for brain health, cognitive stimulation and mood. Invite friends and family over for a meal, board games, or just to hang out. Engaging in your community and participating in group activities is also beneficial.

8. Know Your Blood Pressure – Blood pressure can impact your cognitive functioning. Visit your physician regularly to check your blood pressure and make sure it is in normal range.

9. See Your Doctor – Maintain checkups. Health screenings are key to managing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, all of which can impact brain health. Speak with your physician about any concerns or questions you have about your health.

10. Get a Memory Screening – Our brains need regular checkups, just as other parts of our bodies do. Memory screenings are quick, easy, non-invasive exams for our brains. Talk to your doctor about getting a screening as part of your annual wellness exam or call AFA at 866-232-8484 (AFA offers screenings for free, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites).

Additional information about healthy aging, brain health and wellness and memory screenings can be found on AFA’s website, www.alzfdn.org or by calling AFA’s Helpline at 866-232-8484. The helpline is open seven days a week.

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Offers Tips to Create a Dementia-Friendly Holiday Season

December 15, 2025— With the holiday season in full swing, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering five holiday “dos and don’ts” to help the over 7 million American families caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses celebrate the holidays with their loved ones in a dementia-friendly way.

“People living with dementia deserve to continue experiencing the joy and warmth of the holiday season; they just may not be able to do so exactly how they did prior to the onset of their illness,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Senior Director of Educational and Social Services. “Caregivers can help create a meaningful, happy holiday season by being proactive, adaptable, and honoring the person’s wishes and abilities,”

Consider these five holiday “dos and don’ts” if you are caring for a loved one with dementia:

Don’t: Overdecorate. Holiday decorations are enjoyable, but too many lights, ornaments, or changes in the home can confuse or overwhelm someone with dementia and cause wandering. Focus on a few meaningful, familiar decorations and gradually phase them in to create a festive and stress-free environment.

Do: Remove hazards and dangerous decorations. Remove decorations that could pose a risk, such as sharp ornaments, candles, loose cords, or small objects that could be tripped over or swallowed. Avoid ones that look like food or candy, as they can be mistaken for edible treats and create choking or dental hazards. Dementia can cause changes in vision, depth perception, and gait, so keep walkways clear and ensure that all decorations are secure and out of reach, creating a safe and comfortable holiday environment.

Do: Adapt past favorite traditions or create new ones. Build on old traditions when appropriate, such as enjoying favorite music or movies, or looking at pictures of past holiday celebrations. If your loved one always baked a variety of holiday cookies, just make one favorite recipe together. Give your loved one an easy task, such as stirring, sprinkling sugar, or placing cookies on a tray. Start new traditions that center on activities and events the person enjoys and can do, such as touring neighborhood holiday lights, and do them together. Take a strengths-based and person-centered approach and incorporate what the person can do and what they choose to do now, rather than thinking about what they used to do. Focus on joyful things and forego activities are overly stressful. Experiencing sadness about changes and losses, especially during a holiday, is normal. Acknowledge these feelings and then move on to new ways to celebrate.

Do: Prepare a quiet, calm space before a holiday gathering. Create a space where your loved one can sit comfortably during a holiday gathering if the celebration becomes overwhelming. This way guests can visit the space in small groups or one-on-one. Provide familiar comfort items in the space (i.e., favorite blanket, sweater, stuffed animal) so your loved one feels safe and at ease. As much as possible, maintain the person’s normal routine when scheduling holiday gatherings; disruptions in routine can be difficult for someone living with dementia.

Don’t: Refuse help. Many aspects of the holiday season—shopping for gifts, making preparations, or hosting a holiday gathering—can be stressful by themselves, and caregiving adds another layer of responsibility. Relatives and friends might be eager to help but do not know how. Accept their offers of assistance and be specific about what would be helpful; running errands, bringing a dish to the celebration, or spending time with your loved one so you can take a break. This allows you time to think more clearly and complete other holiday tasks.

The AFA Helpline is available seven days a week to help provide additional information about creating dementia-friendly holidays or any other caregiving questions. Connect with a licensed social worker by phone (866-232-8484), webchat (www.alzfdn.org) or text message (646-586-5283). The web chat and text message features can serve individuals in more than 90 languages.

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Providing Tips to Keep Individuals with Dementia Safe and Comfortable During Halloween

(October 23, 2025)- Spooky sights, scary sounds, and costumed strangers are staples of Halloween, but these can create unique challenges for individuals living with dementia. With October 31 approaching, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering tips to family caregivers to help loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses celebrate Halloween in a safe, dementia-friendly manner.

“The imagery and sounds associated with Halloween—like ghosts, witches, and monsters—can be distressing and confusing for someone living with dementia, which is why caregivers need to be prepared,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Senior Director of Educational & Social Services. “Taking a few proactive steps ahead of October 31 can ensure their loved ones feel safe, secure, and included during the festivities and help keep the ‘Happy’ in ‘Happy Halloween.’”

AFA advises family caregivers to consider the following tips:

• Avoid interactive or disturbing decorations. Decorations that speak, scream, or have spooky sound effects as someone passes by can be distressing for those living with dementia. The sights and sounds of noisy decorative figures, as well as decorations with flashing or flickering lights, could cause the individual to wander, even away from their home. Fake skeletons, cobwebs, and witch and monster figures could be upsetting for those living with a cognitive impairment. These things are perceived as real. Utilize more neutral seasonal decorations, such as pumpkins, apples or fall leaves. 
• Help the person relax. Halloween is full of distractions and stimuli; costumed strangers in the environment and loud noises can all be frightening to someone living with dementia. Playing soothing music, doing a quiet activity such as reading a book together, and calming reassurance are all ways to support your loved one if they become agitated.
• Adapt the celebration. Replace candy with fruit or another healthy snack, as too much sugar intake could increase agitation. Reminisce by looking at old family pictures of Halloween events, decorating pumpkins together, or watching a non-threatening program about Halloween if your loved one wants to participate. Focus on what the person can and likes to do now, rather than what they used to enjoy and do.
• Don’t leave your loved one alone to pass out candy. Having costumed strangers continually knocking on the door might be frightening and confusing to someone living with a dementia-related illness. It can also be a safety risk. Post a friendly sign if you want trick-or-treaters to bypass your home. If the person wants to participate in giving out candy, have someone there to help them, or plan for the person to go to a relative or friend’s home to meet trick or treaters. Never invite someone into the home unless you are familiar with the person.
• Keep the lights on. A dark home gives the impression that no one is inside, thus making it more inviting for burglars or vandals. Have interior and exterior lights lit. If it feels safer, keep candy outside your door for trick-or-treaters with a sign that says, “Please Take One.”

Families who have questions about caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease can contact AFA’s Helpline by phone (866-232-8484), text message (646-586-5283), or webchat (teal and white chat box in the lower right corner of this page) to speak with a licensed social worker. The Helpline is open seven days a week.