Healthy Kids Now - Winter 2022/2023

healthy kids now
Helping kids understand Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease affects the
whole family.That includes • children who have a close relationship
with the person who has Alzheimer’s. • But Alzheimer’s can be hard for
children to understand. •
Children can learn about the
condition as they spend time with the • person with Alzheimer’s. First, let
them know that the person is still the
same person they were. Then, help • them learn from your words and your example. Here is how to guide them:
• Use clear language that is right
for your child’s age.You could • say, “Grandma has a disease that
makes it hard for her to remember.”
• Tell them the way the person acts
might change quickly or often.
Use simple words to talk about the challenges of the condition. Explain that it is normal to feel sad, angry, or scared.
Discuss how speaking in calm tones and using simple sentences is helpful. Tell them that they may have to repeat themselves. Saying, “Don’t you remember?” is not helpful.
Let your child be part of the caregiving team if they want to be. They can do things like help find missing items.
Listen to what your child says and how they act. Explain the condition to them. If you still have concerns, ask their doctor for help.
WINTER 2022/2023
Sources: National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Dementia Action Collaborative, Family Caregiver Alliance, Health in Aging Foundation, American Geriatrics Society, Alzheimer’s San Diego, Dementia, Alzheimers.gov, Illinois Department on Aging
Benefits underwritten by Keystone Health Plan East, a subsidiary of Independence Blue Cross, independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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