Expert: Paula Damgaard - 6/28/2008

Question
My grandmother is 88 years old, we just found out she has AD.  We have a family reunion very soon. We need to travel by plane for about 5 hours.  We will be staying at another granddaughter's home, with children.  Can she travel?, she is very excited about it, but don't know what could happen, with all the mood swings, and everything, is it safe?

Answer
Hi Cari, not knowing anything else about your grandmother this is almost impossible to answer.  Just because she has the diagnosis wouldn't make me say she can't go.  Depending on how advanced she is would be a better indicator of whether or not she can go.  

Knowing that time changes affect everyone, know that it will be really hard for her to adapt.  Also being in a strange environment can cause her to have accidents. Being tired will make her more cranky.  Keeping all this in mind will help you.  Call your local Alzheimer's Assoc and they have many pamphlets about traveling with this disease.  

Hope you can work it out so you all have a great time!  Paula