Alzheimer's disease affects the whole family, including children — especially when a parent or grandparent is diagnosed. Find books, videos, activities to enjoy with someone who has Alzheimer's, and other resources that can help.
Young people might have questions about what's happening as the disease progresses. It's important to answer these questions honestly and discuss the changes the disease might bring. Depending on a child's age, your approach to talking with them about Alzheimer's will vary. Consider reaching out to a school counselor, therapist or the child's pediatrician for additional support.
What kids can expect
Here's some information you can share with children about what to expect when someone they know has Alzheimer's:
"Some people with early-stage Alzheimer’s may forget words or names, even the names of people they love. Otherwise, you may not notice too many changes. But when you spend time with people with late-stage Alzheimer’s, it is easy to see that something serious is going on. Some people with Alzheimer’s may cry, become angry easily or behave in ways that embarrass you. Sometimes the person may not remember who you are, even if it is someone like a grandparent who knows you very well.
"People with Alzheimer’s disease are not acting like this because they don’t care about you anymore. There are changes happening to the parts of the brain that control remembering, thinking and feeling. This is not the person's fault, and they may have good days and bad days."
Your conversation with the child in your life will likely be ongoing. Find suggested answers to common questions that children may ask about Alzheimer's.
Children's books about Alzheimer's and dementia
Does someone that your family is close to have Alzheimer’s or another dementia? Check out these books for pre-kindergarten and elementary school-aged kids to learn more about the disease.
Memory Box (Ages 4-8)
Mary Bahr, David Cunningham (Illustrator)
Albert Whitman Concepts, 1992
Still My Grandma (Ages 4-10)
Véronique Van den Abeele, Claude K. Dubois (Illustrator)
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2007
Weeds in Nana's Garden (Ages 5-8)
Kathryn Harrison
Flipturn Publishing, 2016
Wordsworth Dances the Waltz (Ages 6-8)
Frances H. Kakugawa, Melissa DeSica (Illustrator)
Watermark Publishing, 2007
Why Did Grandma Put Her Underwear in the Refrigerator? (Ages 7-9)
Max Wallack, Carolyn Given
CreateSpace, 2013
The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones (Ages 8-12)
Wendelin Van Draanen
Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2016
Graduation of Jake Moon (Ages 9-12)
Barbara Park
Aladdin, 2002
Online resources to share with children
Explore these resources on other websites. They include information about the brain and Alzheimer's and show examples of how children are dealing with Alzheimer's disease.
Videos to watch with children
Spend a few minutes watching these videos with your child to hear stories from kids who know someone with Alzheimer's disease. These videos are narrated by kids and told from a child's point of view.
Part 1: What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
Maybe the child in your life has heard of Alzheimer's disease but doesn't know what it means. Watch this video to get the facts.
Part 2: What Can I Expect and How Can I Deal With It?
Children may wonder what changes Alzheimer's disease can cause. Will things be different for them or their family? Watch this video to learn how to keep talking and having fun with the person with Alzheimer’s.
Part 3: Is it Me or Is It the Disease?
Does it seem like the person living with Alzheimer’s is changing? Watch this video to find out more about those changes and how to talk about them.
Part 4: How Can I Help and What's Out There to Help Me?
There are lots of ways for kids to make a difference in the lives of those with Alzheimer's disease and their families. Watch this video to find out what kids can do to help.