For many young people, not understanding Alzheimer's disease can be painful. Adults often think they are protecting children from unpleasant truths, or resist conversation on the subject for their own sake.
If or when dementia begins to affect a member of your family, it is important to help children first understand that the person does not choose to forget or behave differently - it is the disease that causes them to do so. Your child may need to be assured that Alzheimer's disease is not contagious. Depending on the age of the child, you can also explain the disease process, to help him or her prepare for changes to come.
Encourage children to share their feelings - even negative ones. However, emphasize the positive by helping them find new ways to interact with the person (see sidebar). Understanding - and adapting to - the changes wrought by the disease can ensure it does not end relationships, just sets them on new paths.
If you would like help talking to your children about Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, the Alzheimer Society of Calgary offers these options:
Free Resources:
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Focus: Helping Children understand Alzheimer Disease Focus: Helping Teens understand Alzheimer Disease |
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| My Grandpa George Mon grand-pere George |
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Recommended Books:
Mr. Knowsit™ Learns About Alzheimer's Disease (Ages 4-6)
Doug Stowe, 2000
The Memory Box (Ages 6-11)
Mary Bahr, 1995
Help Wanted: Wednesdays Only (Ages 9-12)
Peggy Dymond Leavy, 1994
If I Forget, You Remember (Ages 9-12)
Carol Lynch Williams
Daughter (Ages: teen)
Ishbel Moore, 1999
Consider a Support Group
Contact the Alzheimer Society of Calgary to join or create a support group for youth.
Visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada for more information on
helping children and helping teens.
From the Alzheimer Society Focus: Helping Children understand Alzheimer's Disease
People with Alzheimer's disease need to know you care. When you hold their hand or give them a hug, they will always
feel your love.
People with Alzheimer's disease like to remember things from long ago. You can help them remember by sitting with them and looking at old pictures or photo albums.
People with Alzheimer's disease like to keep busy. You can help them make their bed, go for walks or shovel the sidewalk.
"If you forget, I'll remember."
Make a memory box to save your own memories of things you did together.