Alzheimer's Updates
Articles & Tips
Helping Children Understand Alzheimer's Disease
Any child who has a relative or loved one with dementia will somehow be
affected. Though there has not been a great deal of research studying
children's perception of dementia, some facts about how they relate are
known.
Children are usually aware that something is wrong and they need an honest explanation of what is happening to the person with dementia. The complexity of that explanation depends upon the age of the child. The person who presents the explanation should allow the child to express concern, and should address these concerns frankly and simply. Your choice of words is important. Speak of illness and need help and love. Choose unusual or unexpected rather than weird or crazy.
A child's reaction to a person with dementia may depend on the importance of their relationship and how often they interact with the demented person. Young children do suprisingly well when asked to help the person in simple ways. In turn this may build a special and loving relationship. Following are some suggestions for children in interacting with a relative with dementia.
Do
Speak slowly and clearly
Be kind to them when they ask the same question or tell the same story repeatedly
Give lots of hugs and hold hands
Color a page together in your coloring book
Sing songs, especially songs with actions
Say your name whenever you visit
Smile
Be gentle
Read stories together
Go on a nature walk
Bake together
Toss a ball
Go on a picnicDon't
Leave toys or books laying around, this could cause an accident
Get upset when they repeatedly ask the same question, they can't remember your answer
Forget to hug...they need to be loved
Expect them to remember who you are...they forget quickly and sometimes don't even know who they are
Get upset when they seem to be angry because they forget so often
Talk too fast...this confuses them
Make your visit too long...they may get tired or nervous
Argue with them...they won't understand your reasons
Forget to come back...they need to be loved
The Central MD Chapter has several videos available
for loan that are ideal for children and teens. Please call if you are
interested in borrowing one.
Reprinted with permission from the Alzheimer's Association Newsletter,
Winter/Spring 1999 Issue.