Tips for Explaining Alzheimer to a Child

Tips for explaining Alzheimer’s to a child

"Why is Grandma like that? Why does she always forget my name?" These are questions your children may ask you when they feel lost in the face of their grandparents' changes in behavior and mood. So, says Suzie, how do you explain Alzheimer’s disease to them?

Should we talk about Alzheimer’s?

Indeed, the parents we meet often tell us that they seek to protect the children,

However, a child who does not understand may blame their grandparents for "being like that," or imagine their own reasons for this change, and thus may no longer want to see their grandparents, even developing a certain resentment towards them. And these misunderstandings cause suffering for the children. It is important to take the time to explain the disease to them, even if it is not an easy task. We will try to give you some tips here.

How to explain the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease to a child

The simplest way to start is to let the child speak: What scares them? What worries them?

It will thus be easier to explain the key elements they need to understand:

- This disease is not contagious.

- This disease causes difficulties in daily life in remembering events, names, their way, etc. Do not hesitate to explain these symptoms starting from concrete events that the child has experienced with their grandparents.

- One must be patient and realize that it is not easy for a patient to acknowledge that they forget things... and even more so since unfortunately, there is still no cure. And even if their abilities decline, they are still their grandma or grandpa!

Finally, your children are full of tricks and creativity; they may even suggest new modes of communication adapted to your own parents. Our memory games and brain training are often used in nursing homes in the Alzheimer’s unit, and caregivers have found that it is a wonderful tool for families to continue having activities together, and it is often magical to have grandparents play with their grandchildren on a tablet.

Go for it; the hardest part is starting the conversation!

Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss this, or to reach out to other caregivers, on the social network www.e-aidants.com.

Fun apps to train memory

JOE

A version for Alzheimer’s patients at an early stage

EDITH

A version for Alzheimer’s patients at an advanced stage

E-MEMORYS

Using memories for reminiscence purposes

Children's emotions in the face of Alzheimer’s disease

It is normal for children to feel a range of emotions regarding their grandparents' Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some common emotions and how to address them:

• Confusion: Children may not understand why their grandparents are changing. It is essential to explain to them that it is due to a disease that affects their memory.
• Sadness: They may feel sad to see their loved ones change. Encourage them to share their feelings and talk about their happy memories.
• Fear: Some children may fear losing their grandparents. Reassure them by saying that even though the disease changes some things, love remains intact.

By openly discussing these emotions, you can help children better understand and manage them.

Activities to do with a loved one with Alzheimer’s

Spending time with a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be beneficial for both parties. Here are some simple and suitable activities:

• Looking at photos: Flipping through photo albums together can revive memories and spark conversations.
• Listening to music: Music has the power to stimulate memory. Choose songs that your loved one enjoyed.
• Playing simple games: Adapted board games or memory games can be both fun and beneficial.
• Gardening: If possible, gardening together can be a relaxing and rewarding activity.

These activities promote intergenerational bonding and provide comfort.

Resources and tools to support families

There are many resources to help families navigate Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some useful tools:

• Books and guides: Specialized books on Alzheimer’s disease can provide valuable information.
• Support groups: Joining a local or online support group allows sharing experiences and obtaining advice.
• Mobile applications: Some applications are designed to help manage Alzheimer’s symptoms and stimulate memory.
• Health professionals: Consulting doctors or psychologists specialized in the field can offer appropriate support.

These resources can help families better understand and manage the disease on a daily basis.

Preparing children for future changes

It is important to prepare children for potential changes in their relationship with their grandparents. Here are some tips:

• Encourage communication: Teach children to express their feelings and ask questions.
• Create memories: Encourage them to spend quality time with their grandparents to create lasting memories.
• Educate about the disease: Inform them about the progression of the disease so they better understand what is happening.
• Value present moments: Teach them to appreciate every moment spent together, even if it is different.

These steps can help strengthen family bonds and ease the pain of upcoming changes.