How to Explain Alzheimer's Disease to a Child

Alzheimer's disease can be difficult to understand for adults, and may seem even more confusing to a child. Children may have grown up with grandparents or other family members who are now being diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. The Alzheimer's patient may become confused, agitated and no longer recognize family members. Children may not be able to understand why a grandparent or relative is behaving a certain way. Use several different techniques to teach and explain to children what Alzheimer's disease is.

Instructions

• 1

  Explain to children the Alzheimer's disease process. Clarify the disease by showing children basic pictures of the brain and what happens when Alzheimer's is present. Explain how a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's by giving children examples of cognitive test questions used to diagnose Alzheimer's. Use examples such as "Where were you born?" or "What year is it?" Tell children that a family member is often aware of problems involving thinking and memory when early Alzheimer's is present.

• 2

  Ask the child to talk about their emotions and feelings. Understand they may be nervous or scared around a person with Alzheimer's because that person often will act differently than before. Openly talk about Alzheimer's before and after visiting a family member or friend with the condition.

• 3

  Use books and videos as aides to incorporate learning about the disease. Visit the Alzheimer's Association's website for a list of books for various age groups. Ask your local association to see if books can be checked out from their resource library; many local associations have books and videos available to borrow. Order free material from the National Institutes of Health; a variety of Alzheimer's pamphlets and brochures for children and teenagers are available. Watch the PBS documentary "The Forgetting" with children in middle school and high school; the 2004 documentary can be watched on PBS's website. Preview the movie first to ensure it is appropriate for the age group.

• 4

  Find out when the local Alzheimer's Association's yearly fundraising "memory walk" will be held. Sign up to participate in the walk or volunteer. Use the walk as an opportunity for the child to talk with other children who are affected by the disease. Remember the walk is a family event and will often include activities for children.