ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION: Iowa Chapter Holiday Tips & Resources for Families Dealing with Alzheimer’s or Dementia By Lauren Livingston Alzheimer’s Association: As families come together this holiday season, they may notice cognitive changes in a loved one they don’t see regularly. The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline — 800.272.3900 — remains a vital resource for individuals and families who have concerns about cognitive changes affecting a loved one. The Alzheimer’s Association Helpline is a free service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year, offering a wide-range of services and support, including: • Specialists and master’s-level clinicians who offer confidential support and information, crisis assistance and emotional support. • Referrals to local resources and programs for ongoing support through Alzheimer’s Association local chapters across the country. • Translation services in more than 200 languages for people living with the disease, caregivers, families and the public. It is also important to be aware of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia when visiting family. Knowing the signs can help your family member get treatment sooner, which can help provide some relief of symptoms and help maintain independence longer. These are the 10 warning signs, and you can learn more by visiting alz.org/10signs: 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own. 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some people living with dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving
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