MONDAY, Oct. 28, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- Halloween is meant to be a spooky season, but it can be downright terrifying to someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. “Halloween is full of scary sights and frightful sounds that create additional challenges for someone living with dementia, which is why being a proactive caregiver is so important,” said Jennifer Reeder , director of educational and social services at the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA).
“Following a few quick and easy steps can help keep the ‘Happy’ in ‘Happy Halloween’ for someone living with dementia on October 31.” The AFA offers the following tips for caregivers of people with dementia: Avoid interactive or frightening decorations. Halloween decorations that talk, scream, move, flash or flicker can be distressing for people with dementia, particularly if they’re activated when someone passes by them.
Even scary decorations like skeletons, witches, monsters and cobwebs can be upsetting. Stay with neutral seasonal decorations like pumpkins or fall leaves. Help the person relax.
Soothing music and quiet activities like reading can help someone living with dementia remain calm, even as costumed strangers roam the streets. Be ready to offer calming reassurance. Make your own Halloween tweaks.
Replace candy with fruit or another healthy snack, as loads of sugar can increase agitation. Reminisce with old family pictures of Halloween, paint pumpkins together or watch a non-.