Talking With Children About Dementia

When a family member is diagnosed with some type of dementia everyone in the family is affected, including children and grandchildren.

Children see parents’ uncertainty, feel their sadness, and hear their frustration. Children may wonder if they have caused this stress. Children may worry about how they now fit into their family’s changing needs and priorities.

Helping children understand what is happening provides reassurance and direction. Begin with educating yourself so you can answer your children’s questions honestly in age-appropriate ways.

Storybooks can also be effective in providing information, encouraging questions and opening up conversations about feelings and concerns.

Pre-school age children

Small children are primarily interested in what is going on at the moment. Simple explanations are usually enough… “Grandma is having problems with her memory.” Expect to repeat explanations as small children often forget.

Resources to consider:

School-age children

As children come to a greater understanding of the concept of illness, they look for more explanation.

Put a name to the illness, “Alzheimer’s is a disease that causes the brain to change. Grandpa’s brain is changing. Sometimes Grandpa may feel confused or afraid or angry. Sometimes these feelings cause him to do or say things that he doesn’t mean. It’s the Alzheimer’s. You are not to blame.”

Resources to consider:

Teen-age children

A teenager may find it hard to accept how a person is changing. Feelings of embarrassment or discomfort are common. A teen may worry whether the dementia is hereditary or contagious. “Alzheimer’s is not contagious. Most people do not get Alzheimer’s.”

Resources to consider:

Children of all ages

Talk with children about their feelings. Reassure them that whatever they feel is normal. With children, unexpressed feelings can appear as changes in behaviors and attitudes, problems in school or with friends.

Watch for signs that a child is upset. A school counselor or social worker may be able to help you help your child to understand what is happening and how to cope.

Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska also has information that might be helpful for you and your children. Schedule a consultation to speak with an Education Specialist.

Find activities that the family can do together or that a child can do with the person living with dementia. Look for ways to help a child make positive memories out of present moments.

Create a memory box

Create a memory box that is filled with things that remind your children of their grandpa or grandma. Look through the box together.

Additional ideas for activities:

The sky is the limit.

Parents of all ages

Remember to give yourself permission to prioritize your children’s needs . . . and to make time for your own needs. The person you are caring for will be better cared for if you, your children, and your family is thriving.

And remember, the Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska is here to support you through education and services. Don’t hesitate to call.

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Related Resources

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Info Pages