How to avoid Dementia-related stress during the holidays

The holiday season can be a stressful time for everyone, but this time can be especially challenging for families facing Alzheimer’s and dementia. This includes the 452,000 caregivers providing unpaid care to people living with Alzheimer’s disease in Ohio. 

“When you add the stress of the holidays to the challenges of daily caregiving, many caregivers may feel overwhelmed this time of year,” said Mary Ertle, program director for the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland and Greater East Ohio chapters. “We offer support and helpful tips for families with loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or dementia so they can safely enjoy time with family and friends.”

Unique challenges facing dementia caregivers during the holidays

The holidays are often filled with opportunities for togetherness, sharing, laughter and meaningful moments. But they can also bring stress, disappointment and sadness. A person with Alzheimer's may feel a special sense of loss because of the changes they are experiencing, while caregivers may feel overwhelmed while maintaining traditions while also providing care.

 “In the early stages, a person with Alzheimer's experiences minor changes,” Ertle said. “Some may withdraw and be less comfortable socializing, while others may relish seeing family and friends.”

The association says the key is for family members and friends to check in with caregivers. A simple “How are you doing?” or “What can I do to help you?” may be appreciated. Plan the holidays together and focus on the things that bring happiness and let go of traditional activities that seem overwhelming or stressful.

Ertle said, “As the disease progresses into the moderate and later stages, consider rethinking your holiday plans. Every person living with dementia is unique. Make plans that work for everyone and allow yourself flexibility and forgiveness if things aren’t perfect.”

Tips for reducing holiday stress

• Manage expectations. Let guests know what to expect before they arrive and how they can best communicate and engage with the person living with Alzheimer’s. Loud spaces and simultaneous conversations can be challenging for people living with Alzheimer’s, so try engaging them one-on-one.

• Build on traditions and memories. Take time to experiment with new traditions that might be less stressful or a better fit with caregiving responsibilities. For example, if evening confusion and agitation are a problem, turn your holiday dinner into a holiday lunch.

• Involve the person with dementia. Involve the person in safe, manageable holiday activities that he or she enjoys. Ask them to help you prepare food, wrap packages, decorate or set the table.

• Plan ahead. When attending a holiday party, prepare the host for special needs, such as a quiet room away from noise and distractions where the person can rest if they get tired or overwhelmed.

• Be prepared. Call a face-to-face meeting or arrange for a group discussion via telephone, video chat or email for family and friends to make sure that everyone has realistic expectations about what you can and cannot do during the holidays. 

• Let others contribute. As a caregiver, do only what you can reasonably manage. Have a potluck dinner or ask others to host celebrations at their home. Consider breaking large gatherings into smaller visits to keep the person with Alzheimer's – and you – from getting overtired.

For the first time, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. is more than 7 million. That includes 236,200 in Ohio, according to the 2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Deaths due to Alzheimer’s more than doubled (142%) between 2000 and 2022, while deaths from the leading cause of mortality (heart disease) decreased by 2.1%. 

To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free support and resources, visit alz.org/cleveland or call the Cleveland chapter at 216-342-5556.