What are ways to include an individual with dementia in Halloween activities?

Halloween is one of the most celebrated days in the United States and the second-largest commercial holiday, with Americans spending more than $6 billion annually on costumes, candy, decorations and the like.

Scary costumes and frightening decor can create anxiety or stress for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia. For some, “Halloween activates that sense of someone being in danger and being surprised and caught unaware,” says Dr. Lauren Cook, a therapist, speaker and author. Therefore, it is so important to organize and make Halloween stress-free and an occasion for fun and enjoyment for the individual with dementia.

Think about the decorations in the house. These should be kept to a minimum. Such things as

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