Spending Christmas With Alzheimer’s

Memories can be scarce for someone with Alzheimer’s. And as Christmas approaches there are things you can do for a loved one who seems to be slipping away. It may be hard to see someone you care about becoming someone who doesn’t know you, but take the time to love and comfort them and you'll both feel better.

So what can you give someone with Alzheimer’s for Christmas?

Create a photo album. Collect pictures from their entire life, including childhood if possible. Many Alzheimer’s patients can call up memories from years gone by while forgetting what happened yesterday.

Convert old family movies to DVD and add current content. These movies can be played by hospital staff to comfort them when you can’t be there.

Listen to music! It's been proven that music is a great stimulant for people who suffer from Alzheimer's.

People who suffer from Alzheimer’s may exist in a purely tactile world. A soft blanket or robe or even a stuffed animal can comfort them if they become agitated.

Just talk. If your loved one is in a residential facility they simply may not have anyone to talk to who can fill in the blanks or bring some sort of familiarity. If they are still in the home the caregiver may be so busy looking after them that they forget to just sit, hold hands and talk.

Write their memoirs. An Alzheimer’s patient who has been recently diagnosed may be able to help you record the details of their life. Let them relive the moments that were meaningful to them and record them for the future when these memories will escape them.

Families and friends of those who suffer with Alzheimer’s disease may feel especially sad at this time of year but it can be turned into a celebration of their lives and how thankful that we were there to experience it with them.

Accutech wishes all those affected with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their families and friends a warm and happy Christmas filled with new memories and full hearts.