MONDAY, Oct. 28, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Halloween is meant to be a scary season, but it can be downright terrifying for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

“Halloween is full of scary sights and scary sounds that create extra challenges for someone living with dementia, which is why it’s so important to be a proactive carer,” said. Jennifer Reederdirector 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 advice for carers of people with dementia:

Avoid interactive or scary decorations. Halloween decorations that talk, scream, move, blink or flicker can be distressing for people with dementia, especially if they are activated when someone walks past them. Even scary decorations like skeletons, witches, monsters, and spider webs can be upsetting. Stick 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 stay calm, even if costumed strangers roam the streets. Be ready to provide soothing silence.

Make your own Halloween makeovers. Replace candy with fruit or another healthy snack, as lots of sugar can increase jitters. Reminisce with old family Halloween pictures, paint pumpkins together, or watch a non-threatening show about the holiday. Focus on what the person likes to do now and what they are capable of doing.

Don’t leave your loved one alone during trick or treating. Strangers constantly knocking on the door in suits can be potentially frightening, confusing and disruptive. It can also be a safety risk for a person with dementia to hand out candy without help. If the person wants to hand out candy, make sure someone is there to help, and never invite trick-or-treaters inside unless you know them.

Keep the lights on. A dark home gives the impression that no one is inside, attracting the attention of burglars and vandals. Turn on the interior and exterior lights and, if desired, leave candy outside in the doorway with a sign that says “Please take one.”

SOURCE: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, press release, October 24, 2024