The Children's Initiative

Imagine Alzheimer's Through a Child's Eyes

Alzheimer’s disease can leave caregivers and family members feeling a range of emotions including fear, confusion, guilt, sadness, and even uncertainty as to how one should feel. Imagine what a child witnessing this happen must feel.

Children who watch this disease in their immediate or extended families feel these emotions as well, but often times their feelings are mixed with confusion since they may lack general knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease.

It is important to include children in discussions of the disease with a caring approach that acknowledges their feelings while informing them of the disease in which they can understand and relate.

The Children’s Initiative is a program offered for free and consists of a group of informed volunteers who dedicate their time to communicate with young children and teens, from elementary to high school, about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

This is accomplished during short visits to classrooms, youth group meetings, and church functions. During their visit, volunteers will read children’s literature about Alzheimer’s, followed by a short question and answer session. For older children and teens, a short presentation may lead to an open discussion of the disease.

Our volunteers understand the need to convey knowledge in a compassionate and empathetic manner to which children can relate. Many of our volunteers are former caregivers who worked with their own grandchildren and families in learning about Alzheimer’s.

Registration is free of charge and open to all children’s groups, including schools, classrooms, churches, youth groups and youth organizations.

Presentations are made by trained volunteers. To learn more about the initiative or how you can become a presenter, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 607-785-7852 and dial extension 119 or 120.

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more about The Children's Initiative