The Holiday Season and Caring for a Loved one with Dementia. Dr. Domenico Pratico', MD, FCPP
- praticolabalzheime
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
We are now in the middle of what we call the “Holiday Season”, a period of time from Thanksgiving until New Year, which includes various celebrations like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
It is always a special time of the year, or as the song says,
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”.
In general, the holiday season is about connection, generosity, reflection, and honoring a rich variety of diverse traditions, and encompassing all of them which focus on family, love, faith, and cultural heritage. A time that is often characterized by giving, sharing, while celebrating those traditions, with a profound spirit of hope and goodwill. For some of us the season is also filled with vivid memories, fragrant aromas, brightly colored decorations and tasty treats!
But no matter what holiday we observe, the season is a chance to celebrate something we all have in common: our humanity.
May the spirit of love, peace, and happiness accompany each one of you as we immerge ourselves in the spirit of this holiday season!
However, at times the season can bring feelings of stress. To this end, I just wanted to remind each of us that achieving a joyful state of mind may require us to let go of certain expectations, come to terms with the past, and fully embrace the present.
While navigating the holiday season, we are constantly bombarded by media portraying perfect families and flawless celebrations. However, the concept of "perfection" is subjective, and the pursuit of it often clashes with reality.
The idealized images and expectations associated with this season can have the opposite effect, especially on those experiencing loneliness or isolation, particularly individuals living with dementia. What is supposed to be an idyllic time of year can turn out to be the most stressful and somber for some.
While it is heartwarming to uphold traditions, it is meaningful only if these traditions genuinely bring joy to our loved ones and ourselves.
Mindfulness about living in the present is crucial.
Changing or adapting traditions is a natural part of life's evolution and doesn't diminish the beauty of the past; it simply acknowledges it.
For those grappling with memory loss, pushing them to remember or emphasizing their lapses can be painful. Instead, such coaxing may evoke sadness, frustration, or even anger. It's essential to be attuned to the cues of your loved ones and find joy in the current moments. Beyond this season, every day presents an opportunity for new traditions and special moments— we just need to seize them.
If a loved one is in the early stages of dementia and has traditionally taken on a significant role in holiday food preparation, consider making gentle modifications. They may not want to relinquish their role in the kitchen, so find ways for them to contribute, even if they are not in charge. Experiment with less labor-intensive recipes or host a surprise potluck feast. What matters most is the time spent together and ensuring they feel included in a way that is special to them.
The true celebration of happy holidays may lie in granting ourselves the grace to let go of rigid ideals. While memories and nostalgia are precious, they should not become shackles preventing us from fully living and loving in the present.
May each of your lives and celebrations be brimming with joy!
If you are interested in reading more of my blogs:
Domenico Praticò, MD, holds the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research and serves as a Professor and Founding Director of the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple, as well as a Professor of Neural Sciences at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
For more information on the research conducted by Dr. Domenico Pratico, please visit this link.
Connect with Dr. Domenico Pratico through LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Medium.
Stay updated with the work happening at Dr. Domenico Pratico's lab by visiting the Pratico Lab website.
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