Holiday season. These two words bring up many images and memories of traditions and gatherings with family and friends.

For people and families dealing with memory and behavior changes due to dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, finding joy might be challenging — but it can be done.

The keys to a positive holiday season are about managing expectations and planning early. While the hustle and bustle that is a common theme this time of year brings some stress for all of us, this stress can be constant for individuals and families dealing with dementia or cognitive impairment.

Instead of giving up on enjoying the holiday season, here are six adjustments you can make to your family traditions.

1. Make an extra effort to keep your loved one involved

You can help provide a sense of purpose by involving your loved one in your holiday planning, preparations and other activities, such as:

• Discussing gift selections
• Opening cards together
• Listening to holiday music
• Asking for help with simple baking tasks
  
  

No matter how you spend time together, stay in the moment and try focusing on the memories you are making, rather than the outcome or perfect results.

2. Maintain a normal structure as much as possible

Even though you're busy, be consistent with medications, treatments and day programs. Sticking to the usual routine as much as possible will be better for your loved one and, ultimately, for you.

3. Choose decorations that are festive, yet safe

You can still create a beautifully decorated home during the holidays, accepting that the décor may be very different from years past.

Make sure your loved one’s living space is safe. Lighted candles may be a hazard, and large blinking lights can cause disorientation.

4. Keep gatherings stress-free

Keep activities simple and alert your guests ahead of time about your own needs and wishes.

Other tips for keeping the stress level down include:

• Lessening the number of visitors
• Simplifying the plan
• Allowing a few days of relaxation before and after large gatherings or events
  
  

5. Take steps to keep your loved one safe from illness

According to the Alzheimer's Association, dementia itself may not increase the risk of a person catching COVID-19 or the flu, but dementia-related behaviors — such as forgetting to follow prevention measures, like hand washing — might. And cognitive impairment can worsen if someone with dementia gets very ill.

From COVID-19 to the flu to the common cold, the threats are all around this holiday season. Be sure to take steps to protect your loved one from illness, including: 

• Staying up-to-date on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
• Placing signs around the home encouraging hand washing and other preventive measures
• Taking respiratory symptoms seriously, knowing what to do if they appear
• Having a plan if you get sick and can no longer provide care
• Adjusting gatherings accordingly, reminding family and friends to stay at home if they feel sick
   

6. Care for yourself, too

Make a list of the usual things you do during the holidays and decide which you want to keep in your plan — and which you don’t mind skipping.

Allow others to help you, and be clear in what your need for them to do. Include time away for yourself, and fill this time in ways that help you regain your energy.