Tips to Help New Mexican Families Navigate Challenges this Holiday Season
Albuquerque, December 10, 2019 – Holiday celebrations are often joyous occasions that families look forward to all year, but they can be challenging for the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated 5.8 million people in the U.S., and more than nearly 16 million people care for someone with the disease. In our own state, there are currently 41,000 New Mexicans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and 108,000 family members and friends who serve as unpaid caregivers.
The hustle and bustle that accompanies the holidays can be stressful for people living with Alzheimer’s. Changes in the daily routine, large gatherings and noisy environments – all holiday hallmarks – can create extra anxiety for someone living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
To help families navigate holiday-related challenges, the Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter is offering these simple tips to ensure an enjoyable holiday for all.
Prepare Your Guests: The holidays are full of emotions, so let guests know what to expect before they arrive and tell them how they can help. Suggest activities to engage the person with Alzheimer’s or best ways to communicate with them. Cross talk or simultaneous conversations can be challenging for people living with Alzheimer’s, so try engaging them one-on-one or in smaller group settings.
Build on traditions and memories: Take time to experiment with new traditions that might be less stressful or a better fit with your caregiving responsibilities. If evening confusion and agitation are a problem, turn your holiday dinner into a holiday lunch or brunch.
Involve the person living with Alzheimer’s: Depending on abilities and preferences, make sure to keep the person with Alzheimer’s involved in the celebrations, such as packing cookies in tins or helping wrap gifts.
Plan ahead: When attending a holiday party, prepare the host for special needs, such as a quiet room for the person to rest when they get tired, away from the noise and distractions.
Adapt gift giving to ensure safe and useful gifts: Diminishing capacity may make some gifts unusable or even dangerous to a person with dementia. If someone asks for gift ideas, suggest items people living with the disease can easily enjoy, such as comfortable clothing, favorite music, videos and photo albums.
More holiday tips can be found by contacting or visiting your local Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline also provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. Call the helpline toll-free anytime, even holidays, at 1.800.272.3900.
Alzheimer’s disease is a threat that is getting worse. Today, 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including an estimated 200,000 under the age of 65. By 2050, the total number is expected to rise to 14 million. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the USA*.
Currently, there is no prevention, proven treatment or cure for Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s takes a devastating toll – not just on those with the disease, but on entire families. In our own state, 41,000 New Mexicans are living with Alzheimer’s and there are 108,000 unpaid dementia caregivers, many of whom are family members.
The Alzheimer's Association is the largest and most impactful nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's and dementia science in the world. Currently, the Association is investing over $165 million in more than 450 projects in 25 countries.
If you need help, call us. Our 24/7 Helpline is available any time, day or night for support or information at 1 (800) 272-3900.
The Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter offers many free services and resources to caregivers and families facing the disease: support groups, care consultations, respite, educational presentations, safety programs, information and referral and more.
We have five branch offices in the state: Albuquerque (Main Office), Santa Fe (Northeastern New Mexico), Farmington (Northwestern New Mexico), Roswell (Southeastern New Mexico) and Las Cruces (Southwestern New Mexico). All offices may be contacted by calling 1 (800) 272-3900.
*Source for all statistics: The 2019 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report at www.alz.org/facts.
About the Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's®. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.