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5 Ways To Celebrate Mother’s Day With Someone Who Has Dementia

With Women Accounting for Two-Thirds of All Individuals Living with Alzheimer’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Offers Tips for Families Affected by Dementia

(May 8, 2024)— Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 12.  As women account for two-thirds of all Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering five tips so families and loved ones can honor their special women who live with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. 

“Mother’s Day is all about honoring the mother figures in our lives who loved, nurtured, and supported us. If a special woman in your life lives with dementia, taking a few small steps will go a long way to help her feel the love and appreciation she deserves on Mother’s Day,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services. “Making a few minor adaptations can help celebrate the bond you share with your loved one in a dementia-friendly manner.”

Here are five tips for families impacted by dementia to help celebrate a joyful Mother’s Day:

  • Make your own Mother’s Day card. Write a Mother’s Day card and read it aloud to your loved one. Even if they can no longer grasp the full meaning, the act of writing and sharing it can uplift your spirits and those of your loved one.
  • Create new memories using a strengths-based, person-centered approach. Quality time together is one of the best Mother’s Day gifts. When planning activities, take a strengths-based and person-centered approach and incorporate what the person can currently do, and what they presently choose to do. Focus on those things that are pleasurable and let go of activities that may be too stressful.
  • Reminisce together. Familiar faces and old photos can bring joy and comfort to someone living with dementia, even if the person can’t remember the names. It’s a good way to connect with your loved one and evoke positive memories. Look at old photos together and describe them for your loved one as you go through them: for example, who the people are, or what the occasion was. Avoid asking questions like, “do you remember?”  that can embarrass someone living with a memory disorder.  Be patient and attentive when listening to your loved one’s stories and memories. Validate their feelings and experiences, even if they don’t align with reality. This validation reinforces the feeling of being heard and understood.
  • Adapt old favorites. Dementia-related illnesses can impact a person’s ability to do things as they previously did, so it’s important to be flexible, creative, and patient. If the person once loved going to a certain restaurant, for example, order food from the establishment instead and have a feast at home. Break down complex activities into simpler, more manageable steps.  If your loved one enjoyed cooking, focus on tasks like mixing ingredients rather than following elaborate recipes.
  • The gift of flowers has therapeutic benefits. Flowers are a very popular Mother’s Day gift, and they can be especially beneficial for someone living with dementia. The scent can help improve mood, promote positive feelings, and stimulate the brain. Flowers also have a calming effect that reduces agitation and stress. Purchase a bouquet of fresh flowers, (preferably those that are non-toxic to humans or pets, such as roses, orchids, or sunflowers) set the flowers on a table, and enjoy their fragrance together.

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).

10 Healthy Aging Tips for Older Americans Month This May

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Offers Lifestyle Choices
That Promote Healthy Aging & Help Reduce Dementia Risk

(May 1, 2024)— As part of Older Americans Month this May, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering 10 steps for healthy aging so that older adults can be proactive about their brain health. 

“As we honor and celebrate the older adults who are a vital, vibrant part of our communities during National Older Americans Month, we also want to help them to be proactive about their brain health, because the risk of developing dementia increases with age,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services. “Empowering older adults with information about positive, brain-healthy lifestyle choices they can make will go a long way to helping them remain active members of our society for years to come.” 

AFA encourages individuals to follow the following ten steps for healthy aging:

  1. Eat Well– Adopt a low-fat diet high on fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, blueberries, and broccoli. Take daily vitamins. Limit intake of red meats, fried and processed foods, salt, and sugar. In general, foods that are “heart healthy” are also “brain healthy.”

  2. Stay Active– Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and can also help improve mood and general well-being. Brisk walking benefits brain health; aerobic exercise boosts your heart rate; weight training builds strength and flexibility.

  3. Learn New Things- Learning new things exercises and strengthens your brain. Taking a class, trying a new activity, or engaging in any new cognitive pursuit causes your brain to think outside of its normal routine and provides cognitive stimulation. Even something as simple as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand stimulates the brain.

  4. Get Enough Sleep– Getting consistent sleep every night is key; at least seven to nine hours is ideal. Having a good sleep environment is also helpful. Make sure you do low-key activities before getting into bed so you are not overstimulated. Avoid caffeinated drinks close to your bedtime. Insomnia can have serious physical effects and negatively affect memory and thinking.

  5. Mind Your Meds– Medication can affect everyone differently, especially as you age. When getting a new medication or something you have not taken recently, (whether over the counter or prescription), consult with your doctor or local pharmacist.

  6. Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol– Smoking can increase the risk of other serious illnesses, while too much alcohol can impair judgment and cause accidents, including falls, broken bones, and car crashes.

  7. Stay Connected– Prolonged social isolation and loneliness are detrimental to your health, and can increase the risk of a number of different health conditions, including dementia-related illnesses, heart disease, and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Spending time with loved ones and friends, participating in group activities, and getting involved in local community groups are all ways of connecting with other people, keeping your brain active, and helping you feel more engaged with the world around you.

  8. Know Your Blood Pressure– Blood pressure can affect your cognitive functioning. Visit your physician regularly to check your blood pressure and make sure it is within 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 health-related concerns or questions you have.

  10. Get a Memory Screening– Memory impairments are not a normal part of aging; they can be caused by a number of different conditions. Because of this, early detection of memory impairments is essential. Memory screenings are quick, noninvasive screenings that should be part of everyone’s health and wellness routine, even if you’re not currently experiencing memory issues. AFA offers free virtual memory screenings every weekday, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites—click here for more information about getting a free virtual memory screening. 

Individuals wishing to learn more about healthy aging and promoting good brain health can contact the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Helpline at 866-232-8484 or through the blue and white chat icon in the lower corner of this page. The Helpline is available seven days a week.

Six Stress Reduction Tips for Caregivers During National Stress Awareness Month in April

Tips for Family Caregivers from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

(April 1, 2024)— Stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it can have long-term health impacts as well if you don’t take steps to manage it constructively. For individuals who face the stressful task of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering six stress reduction tips for caregivers as part of National Stress Awareness Month (April).

“Family caregivers often find it challenging to make time for themselves, but being proactive about addressing caregiver stress and self-care is not selfish; it’s essential and it benefits both the caregiver and the person for whom they are caring,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services. “Failing to manage stress increases the risks of caregiver burnout, depression, and many other mental and physical health issues. Caregivers need to take care of themselves so they can provide the best possible care for their loved ones.”

Family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, and poorer quality of life than caregivers of people with other conditions, and provide care for a longer duration of time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

AFA offers these six stress reduction tips for family caregivers:

Be adaptable and positive. Your attitude influences stress levels for both you and the person you’re caring for. If you can “go with the flow,” and avoid fighting the current, that will help you both stay relaxed—conversely, becoming aggravated or agitated will increase the chances that your person will as well. Focus on how to adjust to the situation in a constructive way.

Deal with what you can control. Some things are totally out of your control. What is in your power to control is how you respond and react to these outside factors. Concentrating on finding solutions can help make the problem itself a little less stressful. 

Set realistic goals and go slow. Everything cannot be resolved at once, nor does it need to be. Don’t hold yourself to unrealistic expectations. Prioritize, set practical goals, do your best to achieve them, and take things one day at a time.

Mind your health. Inadequate rest, poor diet, and lack of exercise can all exacerbate stress (and cause other health problems as well). As best you can, make it a priority to get sleep, eat right, drink plenty of water and find ways to be active. You cannot provide quality care to a loved one if you don’t take care of yourself.

Clear and refresh your mind. Exercise, yoga, meditating, listening to music or even taking a few deep breaths can all help relax the mind and reduce stress. Find something that works for you and do it regularly!

Share your feelings. Disconnecting from your support structure and staying bottled-up increases stress.  Whether it’s with a loved one, trusted friend or a professional, don’t be reluctant to talk about your stress, because that can actually help relieve it!  AFA’s Helpline has licensed social workers available for caregivers seven days to provide support or even just listen.

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 (click the blue and white chat icon in the corner of this page).

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Announces New Educational Tool to Teach Children About Alzheimer’s Disease


Gardening With Grandma: An Alzheimer’s Story for Children and Their Families Available for Families in English and Spanish

(March 14, 2024)— The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) announced a new educational tool to help adults discuss Alzheimer’s disease with young children in an age-appropriate way. Gardening with Grandma: An Alzheimer’s Story for Children and Their Families is an educational children’s book created by AFA as a resource for adults. The book is available in English and Spanish through AFA’s e-store at shop.alzfdn.org.  

“When Alzheimer’s enters a family’s life, it often brings many questions—children especially may not understand what is happening or why their loved one is behaving a certain way,” said AFA President & CEO Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. “This educational tool gives adults a way to explain Alzheimer’s disease to a child in an age-appropriate way, help them understand brain changes, provide tips on how to engage with their loved ones, answer questions and show them that love is a bond that Alzheimer’s can never break.”  

Gardening with Grandma is designed to be a teaching tool adults can use to have a conversation with a child about Alzheimer’s disease. The book follows 8-year-old Luke’s learning experience as he finds new ways to connect with his grandmother who has Alzheimer’s disease. Grandma, who is early in her diagnosis, is able to share with him that even though she has a disease that affects her memory and behavior, she still loves him. The story unfolds as Luke adjusts to her move to a new home with more support.  

Gardening with Grandma also includes a special message to adults to help them have meaningful, age-appropriate conversations with a child when a special person in their life has Alzheimer’s, including guidance on how to initiate the conversation, sample questions to ask the child, and tips to help them better understand. AFA’s Helpline, staffed entirely by licensed social workers and available seven days a week, can also provide information about discussing Alzheimer’s disease with a child or assistance with other Alzheimer’s-related questions. The Helpline can be reached by phone at 866-232-8484, web chat at www.alzfdn.org or text message at 646-586-5283. The web chat and text messages features can serve individuals in more than 90 languages.  

“Young children, in particular, may sense something is amiss when a family member has Alzheimer’s, but may not be able to understand the subtle changes that are occurring early on in the disease progression,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational & Social Services. “Reading this book together with your child and having a conversation can help make them more understanding and compassionate, less fearful, and ultimately learn new ways to communicate with their loved one.”   

Gardening with Grandma: An Alzheimer’s Story for Children and Their Families is available for purchase through AFA’s e-store at shop.alzfdn.org in both English and Spanish. Proceeds go toward AFA’s programs, services, and research toward a more effective treatment/cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Order a copy of Gardening with Grandma

Emory University’s Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Awarded Grant for African American Community Outreach Program in Metro-Atlanta from Alzheimer’s Foundation of America


Initiative Provides Educational Programs and Encourages Greater Participation in Alzheimer’s Research for African Americans, Who are Twice as Likely to Develop Alzheimer’s Disease  

(February 27, 2024) — The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has awarded a $200,000 grant to Emory University’s Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) to support their community outreach program which provides educational programs to African Americans about brain health and reducing their risk of Alzheimer’s, as well as encouraging them to participate in Alzheimer’s research.

African Americans are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease. While Alzheimer’s affects all races and ethnicities, it occurs twice as frequently among African Americans, according to the Goizueta ADRC. Research suggests that these disparities may be related to a higher incidence of hypertension, genetic influences, and environmental exposures.

Goizueta ADRC also notes that African Americans are often diagnosed at the later stages of the disease, when neurological damage is more advanced, indicating that they are more reluctant to see a physician about memory loss or other dementia symptoms, partly due to social factors such as lack of access or distrust of the healthcare system due to experienced or perceived discrimination.

To address these challenges, Goizueta ADRC launched an outreach program to the African American community in metro-Atlanta, working with trusted community leaders to connect people with services and education through free public events. The events provided information about Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses, the warning signs, ways to reduce risk, and the importance of early detection. AFA previously awarded a $50,000 grant to support the Goizueta ADRC’s efforts.

To further expand this program, Goizueta ADRC launched the Minority Men’s Health Program, a monthly program for men of color to address key strategies to reduce their risk of developing a dementia-related illness, as well as increase their participation in research, where they are underrepresented. Each session uses education, exercise, and dialogue to create a place where men can learn about wellness and take charge of their health. Participation in research is promoted as a means of improving health behaviors. The $200,000 AFA grant will support this program.

Dr. Monica Parker, Director of the Outreach, Recruitment, and Education (ORE) Core, and the Minority Engagement Core (MEC) at Emory University’s Goizueta ADRC and a member of AFA’s Medical, Scientific, and Memory Screening Advisory Board, said “These funds will allow us to expand our successful outreach into the larger metro Atlanta community of minority men.”

Individuals interested in learning more or participating in Goizueta ADRC’s program can call 404-712-0367.

“AFA is pleased to work with the Goizueta ADRC to break down barriers and work to eliminate health disparities,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO. “Their outreach program empowers African Americans with knowledge to help reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s and get actively involved in finding a cure by participating in research. We are pleased to help them enhance their efforts by making this investment in hope.”

  AFA is able to fund projects such as this through the generosity of individuals and organizations. Those wishing to make a donation to support AFA can visit www.alzfdn.org/donate. Support and services for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses are available through AFA’s Helpline by calling 866-232-8484, sending a text message to 646-586-5283, or web chatting at www.alzfdn.org. The AFA Helpline is available 7 days a week.

Four Tips to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Loved One Living with Dementia


Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Encourages Families to Use “L.O.V.E.” to Create a Dementia-Friendly Valentine’s Day this February 14

(February 7, 2024)—Valentine’s Day can create challenges for relationships in which a loved one has dementia. Because of the illness, they cannot express themselves or remember things as they did before. To help families, friends and partners affected by dementia, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering four tips on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a dementia-friendly manner.

“Love and care are important to all of us,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services. “When dementia enters someone’s life, it can change many things, including the dynamic of their relationships. Being adaptable and open to change can help families affected by dementia find alternative ways to express love, show support and connect with one another on Valentine’s Day and throughout the year.”

To create a dementia-friendly Valentine’s Day, just use “L.O.V.E.”:

  • Look back together. Go through old photos together with your loved one and describe them—who the people are, where it was taken, what the occasion was, etc. Simply talking about shared moments: a vacation, celebration, or another occasion that you happily enjoyed together, is a great way to celebrate the love and special bond you share.
  • Open yourself to connecting in different ways. The impact of dementia might make it challenging to do everything exactly as you once did. Still, there are numerous ways to maintain, restore or re-create intimacy, love and connection. Sharing a meal, watching a familiar movie, enjoying favorite music, or just taking a walk together are all ways to stay connected. Nonverbal communication, such as gentle touching, smiles, and eye contact, can also support or strengthen connections with someone no longer able to verbalize their emotions as they had before. The time-honored Valentine’s Day gift of flowers is another way to enjoy the holiday together. Purchase a bouquet of fresh flowers, (preferably ones which are non-toxic to humans or pets, such as roses, orchids, or sunflowers) set it on a table, and enjoy the fragrance together—the scent can uplift mood, promote positive feelings, and stimulate the brain.  
  • Verbalize your feelings. Write a Valentine’s card and read it out loud to your loved one. Even if they can no longer grasp the full meaning, your feelings are conveyed, and the act of writing it and communicating your love can raise your own spirits.
  • Express yourself in the person’s love language. Physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, and acts of service are all types of “love languages” people use to give or receive love. Know what types of gestures your loved one responds positively to and try to “speak to them” in that language. Be mindful that these gestures may change over time as the dementia-related illness progresses.

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).

Protecting Individuals with Dementia from Wandering During the Winter: 4 Tips from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America   

Wandering is a common and potentially dangerous behavior in individuals living with a dementia-related illness.   

(January 22, 2024)— To help families protect their loved ones with dementia from the potential dangers of wandering in cold winter areas, where frigid temperatures, snow, and ice create additional safety risks, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is providing four tips dementia family caregivers can use to reduce the chances of wandering during the winter and be prepared to quickly respond to an emergency. 

Wandering is a common and potentially dangerous behavior in individuals with dementia. Once the individual shows signs of wandering, they are at high-risk of wandering away or becoming lost. They can become disoriented, unable to remember how to get back home, or know how, or who, to call for help. They could leave the home without dressing appropriately.  

“Wandering or getting lost can occur at any stage of Alzheimer’s disease. So there are serious risk factors that dementia family caregivers need to be mindful of, especially now in cold, windier weather areas,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services. “The disease can cause disorientation and confusion, which can lead to the person getting when they may be in search of something or someone or attempting to escape excessive stimuli. Taking steps to address the reasons why someone may leave their environment, while also having an emergency plan ready, are two major ways family caregivers can protect their loved one’s wellbeing during the winter and throughout the year.” 

AFA offers these four tips to help families protect their loved ones with dementia from wandering during the winter: 

Understand the causes of wandering. Walking outdoors can bring a feeling of purposefulness and pleasure to someone living with dementia, especially if they have lived an active lifestyle and enjoyed the outdoors before the onset of dementia. Identify consistent and sustainable ways to support these experiences in a safe environment, such as creating walking paths around the home with visual cue; engaging the person in simple tasks; and providing stimulating and enjoyable activities (i.e., exercise, music, crafts). 

Wandering can also be a response to excessive stimuli, triggered by the need to get away from noises and people, or an expression of an unmet need (i.e., hunger, thirst, a need to use the bathroom). Ensuring basic needs are met can reduce the chances of wandering. 

Safeguard the home. Facilitate safe movement by avoiding clutter and eliminating tripping hazards. Be mindful of how objects like car keys, jackets, and purses might motivate the person to leave suddenly. Install electronic chimes or doorbells on doors so someone is alerted if the individual tries to exit. Consider utilizing a smart doorbell with an app that can notify you when someone is entering or exiting the home.   

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

Develop a safety plan. Keep a list of places the person may go (i.e., previous home or place of employment, favorite spots around town), a recent close-up photo, and medical information readily accessible to give to first responders if needed. Maintain a list of people to contact if the person goes 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. These programs allow you to voluntarily enroll your loved one to receive locating technology. First responders can then activate the technology if the person goes missing. When possible, encourage and incorporate input from the person when developing the 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). 

High School Seniors Impacted by Alzheimer’s Invited to Apply for AFA’s Teen Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship Contest

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

(January 16, 2024)— High school seniors impacted by Alzheimer’s disease can earn up to $5,000 for college through the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s (AFA) Teen Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship Contest. Students can enter the contest by visiting here.

“You’re never too young to make a difference in the lives of others, and teens are showing that every day in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president and CEO. “Teens across the country are helping to care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, volunteering at care settings, raising awareness, and even conducting scientific research. We encourage them to share their stories through this scholarship contest.”

“Through the stories and struggles of many teens impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, it is our hope a new generation will use their experiences to bring awareness on the impact of the disease and advocate for more caregiver support and research in the years to come,” said Stephanie Evans Ariker, AFA’s Director of External Relations.

College-bound high school seniors are invited to apply for the scholarship by submitting an essay (1,500 words maximum) or submitting a video (four minutes in length or less), describing how Alzheimer’s disease has impacted their lives and what they have learned about themselves, their family and/or their community through their experience with Alzheimer’s. Entries can be submitted by visiting here. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2024, at 5:00 pm ET. Students already attending college are not eligible to participate. 

Experiences that students can write about 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 first-place winner receives a $5,000 scholarship. Additional prizes awarded for runners up and honorable mentions. More than $428,000 in college scholarships have been awarded since the program’s inception.   

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of families across the United States. More than 6 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s disease, a number projected to more than double by 2060, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

AFA is able to provide 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. 

Visit the scholarship contest page
Donate to help provide additional scholarships

A 2024 New Year’s Resolution Everyone Should Make: Get a Memory Screening

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America informs individuals about the importance of regular memory screenings, invites people to schedule a free screening appointment through the National Memory Screening Program

 

(January 2, 2024)— With a new year upon us, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is encouraging individuals to make a new year’s resolution to get a memory screening. Regular memory screenings are an important early detection tool of potential memory problems and should be part of everyone’s health and wellness routine. AFA’s National Memory Screening Program offers free, confidential memory screenings every weekday through secure videoconference technology, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites. Appointments can be scheduled by calling AFA at 866-232-8484 or by clicking here.

“Memory screenings are important for everyone, even if they are not currently experiencing memory problems. Just as with other facets of your health, early detection of potential memory issues is critically important,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO. “Start off 2024 by making, and keeping, a new year’s resolution to get a check-up from the neck up today.”

Memory screenings are simple, quick, and noninvasive, and consist of a series of questions to gauge memory and other cognitive functions. Memory screenings are similar to other routine health screenings, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol, and skin checks. Results are not a diagnosis of any particular condition, but a memory screening can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation.

Early detection of memory impairments is extremely important. Many different conditions can cause memory issues, including treatable or curable conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, urinary tract infections, sleep apnea, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Even in the case of a dementia-related illness such as Alzheimer’s, early detection can provide greater opportunity to begin treatments that can help slow the symptoms of the disease, as well as taking part in a clinical trial. In addition, it affords the person the chance to take advantage of community services, such as support groups and therapeutic programming, which can help maximize quality of life, as well as have a greater say in making legal, financial and health care decisions.

“Memory screenings empower people to be proactive about their brain health. You are never too young or too old to get a memory screening,” said Donna de Levante Raphael, PhD, Director of AFA’s National Memory Screening Program. “Detecting a memory issue early rather than later gives you more opportunity to take action, which is why everyone should get memory screenings regularly.”

AFA’s National Memory Screening Program provides free, confidential memory screenings every weekday through secure videoconference technology; a smartphone, tablet, computer, or any other device with an internet connection is all that’s needed. Screenings can be provided in English or Spanish. Memory screenings are also covered by Medicare as part of the Medicare Wellness Program.

Individuals wishing to schedule a free memory screening appointment through AFA’s National Memory Screening Program or learn more about memory screening can call AFA at 866-232-8484 or visit AFA’s website by clicking here.

Making the Holiday Season Dementia-Friendly: The DOs and DON’T’s

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Offers Tips for Families Caring for a Loved One with Dementia

 

NEW YORK (December 12, 2023)— With the holiday season in full swing, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering tips to help the millions of Americans caring for a loved one with dementia celebrate the holidays with their loved one in a dementia-friendly manner.

“People with dementia can still, and should be encouraged to, enjoy and participate in the spirit of the holiday season. Because of the way dementia-related illnesses impact the brain, they may not be able to do it exactly as they did prior to the onset of dementia,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services. “By being adaptable and sensitive to the person’s needs and wishes, caregivers can help create a joyous, dementia-friendly holiday season for their loved one with dementia.”

AFA offers these dos and don’ts for creating a dementia-friendly holiday season:

Do: Keep decorations simple. Decorating is part of the holiday season fun, however, too much stimulation may be challenging for someone with dementia. Keep decorations festive, but simple. Instead of elaborate decorations, choose a few favorite items. Phase in decorations over a period of days so that changes to the person’s environment are less confusing.

Don’t: Overdecorate or use dangerous decorations. Too many flickering lights or noisy items could overwhelm someone living with dementia. Changes to the person’s environment might cause disorientation, which may then lead to wandering. Be aware of safety issues: fragile decorations can shatter into sharp fragments and decorations that look like food or candy could be mistaken for edible treats, creating a choking or dental hazard.

Do: Adapt past favorite traditions or create new and viable ones. Build on old traditions when appropriate, such as enjoying favorite music or movies, or looking at pictures of past holiday celebrations. Adapt past traditions as well; if the person always sent out holiday cards or baked holiday cookies and still wants to do so, do it together with them. If they can no longer shop for gifts for their loved ones, invite them to help with wrapping the gifts so that they feel involved. Start new traditions that center on activities and events the person enjoys and can do, such as touring neighborhood holiday lights; plan to do it together. Whenever possible, ask what traditions are important to your loved one—it keeps them engaged, and helps you prioritize and plan appropriately.

Don’t: Dwell on past practices. Take a strengths-based and person-centered approach and incorporate what the person can do and what they choose to do now, rather than dwelling on what they used to do. Focus on those things that bring joy and let go of activities that seem too stressful. It is normal to feel some sadness about changes and losses, especially during a holiday. Acknowledge these feelings and then move on to new ways to celebrate.

Do: Create a safe and calm space. Create a space where your loved one can sit comfortably during a holiday gathering, and where guests can visit in small groups or one-to-one. To the greatest extent possible, maintain the person’s normal routine when scheduling visits or holiday gatherings; disruptions in routine can be difficult for someone living with dementia.

Don’t: Neglect safety. Be very mindful of potential tripping hazards on the floor, such as wires for decorations, as dementia can cause changes in vision, depth perception, and gait. Securely hook Christmas trees to the wall to avoid falls and use menorahs or kinaras with electric candles to reduce fire hazards.

Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia, affects more than 6.2 million Americans. The number of people in the US with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to more than double by 2060, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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 different languages.