DALLAS — The 2021 holiday season presented an important opportunity for many families to gather for the first time since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. It also allowed many to witness the early signs of Alzheimer’s from their elderly loved ones for the first time.

In a typical year, the holidays are the only time many families get the chance to gather together. With 2020 being anything but normal, it’s estimated that 1 in 9 Americans spent the December holidays by themselves, self-isolating, and just about half of Americans, 48 percent, spent the December holidays with only members of their household.

In 2019, 5 million senior men and 9.7 million senior women lived alone, and COVID all but ensured that lot of those elderly adults had a lonely holiday season in 2020. In 2021, many seniors who exercised caution and socially distanced in 2020 finally felt safer attending family gatherings after receiving vaccinations and boosters that became widely available across the U.S.

The holiday travel rebound was significant. Thanksgiving holiday travel in 2021, for example, was the highest the country has seen since 2005, with 53.4 million travelers total.

"COVID vaccinations meant the 2021 holidays were the first time many adult children got to see their out-of-town senior parents since the beginning of the pandemic.” said Jackie Colter with Friends Place Adult Day Services in Richardson.

Colter has worked at the adult day care center, dedicated to providing specialized care and programs for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, for the last 14 years. She warns that during these 2021 gatherings your elderly loved ones might have, for the first time, shown early warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer ’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, which include challenges with memory, thinking and behavior over time.

“Sometimes families might not realize a loved one has Alzheimer’s until symptoms become severe,” said Colter.

Dallas residents Frances and Edward King smile for a picture at the Friends Place Adult Day Services in Richardson. Frances, who lives with Alzheimer's disease, has attended the center for more than three years. (Spectrum News 1/Lupe Zapata)
Dallas residents Frances and Edward King smile for a picture at the Friends Place Adult Day Services in Richardson. Frances, who lives with Alzheimer's disease, has attended the center for more than three years. (Spectrum News 1/Lupe Zapata)

Recognize the warning signs

Here are some of the most noticeable warning signs, according Colter and Friends Place, which they strongly recommend taking seriously:

1. Short-term memory is a struggle:

“Short-term memory disappears quickly with Alzheimer’s,” said Colter “It doesn’t just involve the occasional misplaced item.”

Colter said you may notice your elderly loved ones asking the same question over and over again, or becoming confused about time, people and places they would normally know well.

2. Familiar tasks become difficult:

“They might forget to complete routine activities,” said Colter “A decline in personal hygiene or a decrease in their usual standard of housekeeping is a huge warning sign.”

3. Emotions become more difficult to regulate:

“This could mean higher than normal stress levels, said Colter “They might seem more moody or depressed than normal, feeling overwhelmed when emotions strike, or a withdrawal from social activities they once enjoyed.”

4. Accidents become more frequent:

“Seniors with Alzheimer’s often become clumsy,” said Colter “They often have difficulty navigating stairs or walking, they’re falling more often and will show a reluctance to walk usual distances.”

Colter said many times family members can overlook these warning signs and “write them off, as simply signs of old age.”

Frances and Edward King make Spectrum News 1 human interest reporter Lupe Zapata laugh during an interview. (Spectrum News 1/Lupe Zapata)
Frances and Edward King make Spectrum News 1 human interest reporter Lupe Zapata laugh during an interview. (Spectrum News 1/Lupe Zapata)

Getting help for Alzheimer's

While there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s, Colter said those who attend services like the Friends Place offers can have their symptoms alleviated if caught early.

One of the Friends Place members that has benefitted greatly from the center is Frances King. For the last three years, she has enjoyed the various activities that keep her busy three days a week.

“It’s just wonderful being around people that understand how you feel,” said King “We’re all going through it, we can talk about our memory, and laugh about it.”

Colter said if you think your loved one is showing early signs of dementia, the next step may be seeking a diagnosis. She recommends educating yourself about Alzheimer’s early signs and stages, and talking with a doctor about next steps.

If you have an interesting story, or an issue you’d like to see covered, let us know about it. Share your ideas with DFW human interest reporter Lupe Zapata by e-mailing him at Lupe.Zapata@Charter.com ​