The holidays can be a joyful but challenging time when a loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia. Keeping surroundings familiar, letting your loved one help in ways they can, and connecting through meaningful conversations are all ways to include your loved one in the celebration, says gerontologist and licensed social worker Dr. Macie P. Smith. For more than 24 years she has been helping family caregivers and their loved ones navigate a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and dementia. She now shares the logical progression of a dementia care experience, beginning with how to recognize potential symptoms before the diagnosis and what questions to ask the individual’s primary care physician. She also describes what to expect after the diagnosis. At the helm of Diversified Training Consultants Group, Smith spearheads a dynamic Geriatric Care Management company committed to enhancing education and training standards for both healthcare professionals and family caregivers.