Honoring Mother’s Day when Mom has Alzheimer’s disease.

Mother’s Day can be challenging for families affected by Alzheimer’s- especially when it’s Mom who is living with the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association data in the 2018 Facts and Figures Report shows that women are disproportionately impacted by this devastating disease: nearly two-thirds of the more than 5.7 million Americans with Alzheimer’s are women.

How families ultimately choose to celebrate Mother’s Day will depend on the stage of the disease the person is in. In the early stage, a person with Alzheimer’s may experience minor changes. Some may withdraw and be less comfortable socializing, while others may relish seeing family and friends

Mother’s Day can remain a meaningful and enjoyable occasion for families’ impacted by Alzheimer’s. Planning will take more thought and each family’s circumstances will need to be taken into consideration. The Alzheimer’s Association offers the following tips for families celebrating Mother’s Day:

• Take a person-centered approach: Focus on what is enjoyable for the person with Alzheimer’s, such as looking at family pictures or enjoying their favorite food. If they get overwhelmed in large groups, a small quite gathering may be preferable.
• Keep it simple: Consider a celebration over a lunch or brunch at home or where the person is most comfortable.
• Join in: If the person with Alzheimer’s lives in a care facility, consider joining in any facility- planned activities.
• Don’t overdo it: Sticking to normal routine will help keep the day from becoming disruptive or confusing. Depending on the person’s stamina, plan time for breaks so they can rest in a quiet area away from noise and crowds.
• Adapt Gift Giving: Diminishing capacity may make some gifts unusable or even dangerous to someone with dementia. If someone asks for gift ideas, suggest items the person with dementia needs or can easily enjoy, identification bracelet, comfortable clothing, favorite foods, and photo albums.
• Educate yourself/ find support: Learn more about Alzheimer’s at the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving Center alz.org/care. You can also find more tips by joining at alzconnected an online support community for everyone affected by Alzheimer's or other dementias.

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.