Halloween's tricks 'n treats pose challenges for those with Alzheimer's

Halloween is the third most-favorite holiday across the United States, but for many of the seven million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease – including 10,300 Wyomingites – the confusing costumes and decorations, unexpected guests and cheerful ‘trick or treat’ shouts can create heightened levels of fear and anxiety.

“For those living with Alzheimer's, the happy memories of colorful costumes and cheerful children may have faded,” said Debra Antista-Bianchi, executive director of the Alzheimer's Association of Wyoming. “Given that reality, along with the fact that much of the festivity ha...