Helping Kids Understand Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer's is a difficult disease for almost anyone to understand.

People with memory disorders can behave in ways that are frightening and confusing for children. Grandpa doesn't act the way he used to. He may not even remember his grandchildren's names. Your child's world is disrupted if you are responsible for looking after the needs of an older relative with Alzheimer's.

ALZHEIMER'S IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

If you're a caregiver it's important to help your children to understand what Alzheimer's disease is and how it affects themselves and their family. Once kids have a basic understanding of Alzheimer's they can be wonderful companions for their grandparents and learn a lot about what it means to have a memory disorder.

Young children are puzzled when older people forget how to do simple grown-up things like tell time, cook or go shopping. They don't understand how Grandma can be sick and not have to stay in bed or go to the hospital or why Grandpa doesn't take medicine to get better. Children may be afraid that they'll catch what grandma has. They're frightened when their grandpa screams at them for no reason. Young children may even believe that that something they did made Granddad sick or that their beloved Nana doesn't love them any more. Older children may feel embarrassed to have friends over if their grandparent lives with their family. They may resent having to do extra chores around the house, and are embarrassed by their relative's odd behaviors. Kids may get angry if their parents are too stressed out to spend time with them.

MAKE YOUR KIDS PART OF THE TEAM

It's essential for you to set aside time to talk to your children about the situation even if you're juggling caregiving and family responsibilities plus a fulltime job. Explain to them that grandpa has a brain illness that makes it hard for him to remember things and he needs the whole family to take care of him. Once they understand what's going on most kids are more willing to lend a hand with household chores

ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE

The Alzheimer's Association has a variety of materials for children and teens to help them understand memory loss and the "Alzheimer's Association 101 Activities" – a list of things kids and older adults can enjoy doing together. Some examples:

• Clip coupons
• Rake leaves
• Read aloud
• Bake cookies
• Watch old movies or TV shows
• Look at family photos
• Weed the garden
• String beads
• Fold laundry
• Make holiday cards
• Take a walk
• Eat lunch outside
• Feed the birds
• Play cards
• Dance to "oldies" music

Caring for an older relative can be a positive experience for your family. Children often develop very special relationships with grandparents who have memory disorders and feel proud to be able to help their family.

MAKING MEMORIES

Unlike parents, grandparents and other older relatives aren't always at work, on the phone, cooking, cleaning or mowing the lawn. They have lots of time to spend with younger family members. Helping to care for these important people will give your children a lifetime of special memories.