Explaining Alzheimer's Disease to Children

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Alzheimer's Disease: More than Just Memory Loss

If you or someone close to you has Alzheimer's disease, chances are you're asking questions about the condition faster than your doctor can answer them. The Internet gives you access to information, outside of office hours, that enables you to find quick answers to urgent questions, and also helps you ask doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals the right questions. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.

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Alzheimer's Disease Information

Alzheimer's is more than just memory loss; it's a disease that robs your body of its functions, bit ... read more »

Alzheimer's Treatment

Although there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease, research is ongoing and scientists have ... read more »

I Have Alzheimer's

With the right information and support, you can learn how to live with Alzheimer's and prepare for ... read more »

Alzheimer's Caregivers

Taking care of someone with Alzheimer's disease can be hard and even lonely sometimes. There ... read more »

Alzheimer's Help

Unless you have training in healthcare or you have been prepared to care for someone with ... read more »

Alzheimer's Research and News

Researchers from all over the world are working on solving the Alzheimer's riddle, and the Internet ... read more »

Explaining Alzheimer's Disease to Children

It's important for your children to realize why Grandma, Grandpa, or the beloved lady next door is acting differently. Most children will be receptive to a clear and informed explanation, tailored to their understanding. If they are taught about Alzheimer's and methods of coping, they can usually be counted on to respond maturely. Furthermore, children have vivid imaginations and without proper explanations, they may come up with their own explanations or reasons for the changes they are seeing. To prevent self-blame, misunderstandings, or fear, take the time to discuss this issue. The more children understand, the less they have to fear.

Dulcinea's Insight

Associations are often your best bet in helping children learn about Alzheimer's disease. They provide information in a clear, practical manner so that you can relay information to your children in basic terms.

Local association chapters can be very helpful in suggesting strategies to guide your children, such as activities you can do together to facilitate their understanding and healing.

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The Alzheimer's Association has a section, "Just for Kids & Teens," that describes in child- and teen-friendly language what Alzheimer's disease is, how it affects the brain, and how it will affect them, the children. There are age-specific stories and even a section on how to spend time with a person who has Alzheimer's disease.

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The Alzheimer Society of Canada has an "Alzheimer Care" page with two helpful sections: one on talking to children about Alzheimer's disease and one on talking to teens. The society offers a list of activities that your child or teen could engage in with the Alzheimer's family member, and book lists for the appropriate age groups.

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KidsHealth has an introduction to Alzheimer's disease written with young readers in mind. It covers what happens in the brain, how it's diagnosed, what doctors can do, and how to cope, in a voice suitable for children.

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Mayo Clinic s article, "Alzheimer's: Helping children understand the disease," is a brief guide designed to prepare parents for the questions their children might have if a friend or loved one contracts Alzheimer's.

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