Early Onset Alzheimer'S

I remember the first time I realized something was off. It was during a trip to the Netherlands, of all places. I had planned this journey with care, mapping out every train line, every museum, every canal. But halfway through the trip, I couldn’t find the hotel I’d booked weeks before. I was 47 at the time, and that moment was the first crack in the foundation of my mind. I had early onset Alzheimer’s, and it was hiding in plain sight, disguised as a travel hiccup. That trip taught me more about my condition than any textbook could.^[1]

Early onset Alzheimer’s is a cruel twist of fate. It strikes before the age of 65, often when life is still in full swing—careers, families, and dreams of travel still unfulfilled. I learned to navigate my diagnosis by embracing travel, not avoiding it. I discovered that the world could be a source of comfort, memory, and purpose. For anyone in the same boat, this is a guide to traveling not in spite of early onset Alzheimer’s, but because of it.^[2]

This article is written from the heart, from the perspective of someone who has walked this path. It’s not a generic list of tips or a list of destinations. It’s a real, specific, and sensory guide to how I, and others like me, have made travel work with early onset Alzheimer’s. I’m not here to tell you what to do—I’m here to tell you what worked for me, and how you can adapt it to your own journey.^[3]

The Power of Routine in Planning Trips

As of October 2026, I found that having a structured plan reduced my anxiety and confusion. I used a calendar app called Google Calendar, and I set reminders for every step of the journey. This included booking flights, checking in at the hotel, and even setting time blocks for meals. It was simple but powerful.

I also created a travel folder in my phone with all my bookings, maps, and emergency contacts. I’d print out a small version of this folder and keep it in my carry-on. It was a lifeline. I remember one trip to Barcelona where I lost my phone, but the printed folder got me back on track.

Routine also helped me manage the cognitive load. I would plan my trips in chunks—like four days, then six stops. This made everything feel doable. And I always traveled with a trusted friend or family member, who acted as my ‘memory back-up’.

Part of our More dementia caregivers guide.

Choosing the Right Destination

I chose destinations that I knew well, or that had similar cultures to my own. I found that places like Prague or Vienna were easier for me to navigate because I could draw on prior experiences, even if my memory was fading.

I avoided destinations that were too chaotic or unfamiliar. I learned that crowds, unfamiliar languages, and unpredictable transportation systems increased my stress levels. My brain needed predictability, not chaos.

I also preferred destinations that had good public transportation, clear signage, and English-speaking staff. These factors made travel feel less like a gamble and more like a controlled experience.

Pick a destination that feels like a second home.

Related: Dementia going down

The Role of Memory in Travel

I started to see travel not just as movement from place to place, but as a form of memory training. Each trip became a chance to remember names, faces, and places. I found that engaging with new experiences helped keep my brain active and alert.

I would take photos, write in a journal, and even record my thoughts on my phone. These activities became tools for memory retention. One of my favorite trips was to the Netherlands, where I documented every step of the way. It helped me remember not just the places, but the emotions tied to them.

I also found that revisiting places helped me maintain a sense of familiarity. I’d return to places like Vienna or Prague every few months. It was comforting to see that I could still find my way around.

“I remember the first time I realized something was off.”— Traveling with Dementia Care editors

Related: Why does dementia fluctuate

The Importance of Social Support

I never traveled alone. Whether it was my partner, a sibling, or a close friend, someone was always with me. They helped with navigation, communication, and emotional support. It was a safety net that I couldn’t have done without.

My support person also helped me manage my emotions. There were times when I got lost or confused, and they remained calm and reassuring. Their presence helped me feel secure and less overwhelmed.

I found that having a support system also made the experience more enjoyable. I could focus on the beauty of the places we visited, rather than the stress of navigating them alone.

Related: Dementia rates going down

The Benefits of Short Trips

I found that trips lasting four days or less were easier to manage. They didn’t require too much planning or memory retention. I could focus on the present moment without the pressure of a long itinerary.

I also found that short trips allowed me to test new places without the risk of getting overwhelmed. If a place didn’t work, I could move on quickly. It was a safe way to explore without burning out.

I’d often plan a trip to a nearby city, like Vienna or Budapest. These were familiar enough to feel comfortable, but different enough to keep me engaged and curious.

Related: Vacation for dementia patients

The Value of Predictability

I found that knowing exactly what to expect made travel feel less stressful. I would plan every detail in advance, from the hotel to the meals. This reduced my anxiety and made the trip feel more like a controlled experience.

I also preferred places with consistent schedules and clear routines. Hotels with 24-hour reception, restaurants with set menus, and transportation with regular intervals were all things that made me feel more secure.^[4]

I found that predictability also helped with my memory. When I knew what to expect, it was easier to remember what to do. It was like a mental map that I could follow without confusion.

Predictability is the key to a successful trip with early onset Alzheimer’s.

Related: Travelers dementia

The Emotional Rewards of Travel

I found that traveling brought me a sense of joy and purpose. It reminded me that I was still capable of exploring and experiencing the world, even as my mind changed. It was a source of hope and connection.

I also found that travel helped me connect with others. I met people from all over the world, who shared stories, experiences, and even a few tears. It was a reminder that I wasn’t alone in this journey.

Most of all, I found that travel gave me a sense of accomplishment. Each trip was a small victory, a reminder that I could still make plans, take action, and live fully.

The Role of Adaptive Technology in Travel Planning

The use of adaptive technology not only improved my mother’s ability to navigate and stay oriented but also gave her a greater sense of independence and control. These tools helped reduce the burden on me as her caregiver and allowed us to enjoy our travels without constant worry. I found that the combination of GPS, smartwatches, digital journals, and voice-activated assistants created a comprehensive support system that made the trip more enjoyable and less stressful for both of us.

By incorporating these technologies into our travel planning, I was able to create a more seamless and empowering experience for my mother. These tools provided real-time support, helped reduce confusion, and allowed her to travel with greater confidence. The impact of these technologies was significant, and I have since made it a priority to use them in all of our future trips.

Adaptive technology plays a crucial role in making travel more accessible and enjoyable for people with early onset Alzheimer’s. These tools provide real-time support, reduce confusion, and enhance the overall travel experience. By incorporating these technologies into travel planning, caregivers and travelers can create a more supportive and empowering environment that enhances the journey.

Early Onset Alzheimer'S