Holiday tips for families dealing with Alzheimer's

KUSA - For most families, the holidays are filled by sharing laughter and memories.

For people caring for the 65,000 Coloradoans with Alzheimer's disease, holidays can be filled with stress, disappointment and sadness.

The Alzheimer's Association has the following suggestions to help families enjoy the holidays:

- Keep family gatherings small so the person with Alzheimer's    
  doesn't get overly anxious.

- Find ways to include the person with Alzheimer's in doing small
  tasks like setting the table, folding napkins, or tossing the 
  salad. If things aren't done exactly like you'd like, fix it later.

- Focus on one or two traditions, don't try to do everything this 
  year.

- Try baking or cooking less and buy ready to eat snacks and 
  baked goods.

- Go for a walk, sit together on the couch or look at pictures,
   listen to music.

- Prepare family members and friends ahead of time by sharing
  changes they may see in the person with Alzheimer's.

- Locate a quiet place for one-on-one time in case things get too
  noisy.

- Travel and plan your celebrations early in the day to avoid the 
  difficulties often seen with "Sundowning" in the early evening.

The Alzheimer's Association has more ideas and information about the disease, www.alz.org/co