Using Fiction To Help Kids Learn About Alzheimer's
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Reading Makes Learning Fun
It's estimated that 20 million American families have a relative suffering from Alzheimer's. While it's hard for adult children to deal with the ravages of this disease on their aging parents it can be even harder for grandchildren to understand what's happening to their beloved Grandma or Grandpa. This article will discuss several books that are appropriate for children aged 4-12 and will suggest activities that can be done with the Alzheimer's patient and other family members.
Younger children will enjoy the intimacy and one on one attention of being read to and the books will help promote meaningful discussions about Alzheimer's. Older children may wish to read the books themselves, but should still be encouraged to talk about what they've read and ask questions they have about Alzheimer's.
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![Always My Grandpa: A Story for Children about Alzheimer's Disease [Paperback]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5145bzki%2BQL._SL75_.jpg) | Amazon Price: $117.50 |
"Always My Grandpa: A Story for Children About Alzheimer's Disease"
Always My Grandpa: A Story for Children About Alzheimer's Disease by Linda Scacco, is a gentle portrayal of the early effects of Alzheimer's on patient and family. Daniel and his mom spend every summer at Grandpa's beach house, but this year things are different because Grandpa's symptoms are getting worse. Daniel learns that Alzheimer's makes it hard for Grandpa to remember basic things such as where his clothes are, and that eventually he will not remember who Daniel is, but he will remember things that happened a long time ago.
Suggested activity: Have child pretend to be a reporter and interview the Alzheimer's patient about his childhood. If possible, let the child record the interview.
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"What's Happening To Grandpa?"
Maria Shriver's, What's Happening to Grandpa? walks a girl named Kate through a beginning understanding of her Grandpa's condition. While Grandpa's memories are still intact, young Kate helps him create a scrapbook. Much information about Alzheimer's is seamlessly woven into the story, and Kate asks family members questions that children often have such as whether she and mom will eventually get Alzheimer's. The book also contains an excellent list of resources and organizations and was endorsed by Nancy Reagan.
Suggested activity: Have child create a scrapbook with the Alzheimer's patient. If the patient isn't alert enough to participate have another family member help the child create a memory book about them.
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"Faraway Grandpa"
In Faraway Grandpa by Robert Karim, a young girl learns that even though Grandpa no longer remembers her name, he can still sing his favorite song with her-Danny Boy, which helps them stay emotionally connected.
Suggested activity: Have a sing-a-long at the next family gathering that includes the Alzheimer's patient. Sing simple tunes like Row You Boat or some of the patient's favorite childhood songs. Record or videotape the singing and make a copy for the patient to take home with him.
 | Amazon Price: $7.98 List Price: $15.00 |
"An Early Winter"
In "An Early Winter" by Marion Dane Bauer, 10 year old Tim idolizes his grandfather and the two share a love of fishing. As Tim's mother, stepfather, and grandmother make plans to care for his ailing grandfather, Tim, who's in denial about the old man's deterioration, plots his own plan to "save" him. The two set off on a fishing trip which Tim believes will prove his grandfather can still function normally. Instead, Tim must deliver both of them to safety and while doing so, learns to come to terms with his Grandfather's limitations.
Suggested activity: Plan family outings that the Alzheimer's patient can participate in with the supervision of adults and the help of the child.
Keep It Fun
Reading, and/or being read to, creates a relaxed, loving atmosphere that encourages the child to ask questions. Books written from the child's point of view help kids identify and empathize with the difficulties that the young hero or heroine is going through and teaches them fun and compassionate ways to interact with their own afflicted grandparent.
Alzheimer's Disease Resources
- Alzheimer\'s and the holidays: Find real joy by simplifying - MayoClinic.com
Adjust expectations, and people with dementia and their caregivers could better enjoy the holidays. - Alzheimer\'s: Helping children understand the disease - MayoClinic.com
Alzheimer's and kids Ease your child's fears and answer his or her questions. - Alzheimer\'s Association
Alzheimer's Association - Alzheimer's Association
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An excellent practical hub that can be very helpful. I appreciated the activity to help apply the learning--a great way to bond the children with their grandparent (or any other significant adult with Alzheimer's in their life.)
Peggy W. Thanks for rating me up and the great endorsement. Coming from someone who's writings I admire so much, makes the encouraging words extra special!
FloBe,
Thanks for the feedback. I hope it does help children bond with grandparents and others who have Alzheimer's. I also hope it encourages parents to read to their children for enjoyment.
What a wonderful, gentle way to introduce your child to a serious condition. The books you have chosen are terrific. They not only help them understand what is going on and help them to bond to the grandparent but they help them feel they are not alone. Wonderful hub. Voted up and awesome.
Welcome KoffeeKlatch Gals,
Thanks so much for stopping by and for the positive review. It's greatly appreciated.
Oh what a great idea. We have been faced with Alzheimers in our family and it was all to obvious over the holidays. My kids approached me and ask, Mom what's wrong with Grandma? Tough questions and thanks be to you for such wonderful information. Blessings. :)
Hi Katiem,
Sorry to hear that one of your loved ones has Alzheimer's but I'm glad that you found this hub helpful.
A touching love story for adults and older teenagers where Alzheimer's is central to the plot is the Nicholas Sparks book and movie, "The Notebook." If you haven't seen it yet, I would recommend renting the DVD and/or reading the short novel.
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
What a brilliant way to introduce children to the subject. Sadly this devastating illness is becoming more and more common.Thank you for sharing this. I am sure that each one of us know someone who has in some way been touched by Alzheimers.
Hi Acaetnna,
Unfortunately you're right- most people do know someone affected by this devastating disease.
Thanks for taking time to read my hub and leave a comment. I appreciate the feedback.
This is a very touching hub. I had no idea about such books to help children understand Alzheimer's disease better. Our family is going through this with my own father. Thank you for the information.
Hi Oceansnsunsets,
Sorry to hear about your father. It is difficult to watch a loved one suffer from this disease.
Thanks so much for taking time to leave a comment. It makes me feel good that you found the information helpful.
Thanks for the recources. People of all ages need to understand the complications associated with the illness. Love and understanding are vital . . .
Hi Truckstop Sally,
You are so right. Information, love and understanding are vital for anyone who interacts with or loves a person who has Alzheimer's.
Thanks so much for reading my hub and leaving a comment.
This is an excellent resource for parents with Alzheimer patients in their family. Fiction is such a gentle way of teaching, and is something that is less harsh for kids. Great hub!
Hi Prairieprincess. Thanks for recommending this hub, and for your kind words. Your support and encouragement are very much appreciated.
What a lovely, heartfelt article. It was so heartbreaking for my children when my grandmother's memory began to fade until she no longer knew her own family. I still remember my son's face when she looked at him blankly and called him by her brother's name. Reading children's books like these would have explained the issue and perhaps made it easier for my children. Beautiful article!
Welcome Lovesleftovers,
Sorry about your grandmother. It is really disturbing when Alzheimer's reaches the point that the names of loved ones are no longer remembered. As you've so poignantly pointed out, it can be particularly distressing for children who don't understand what's going on. The books can be a gentle, loving way to help them talk about their feelings. Thanks for sharing your personal experience.
I must have been asleep for a very long time, Gail and missed out on these hubs when you wrote them. Another excellent and useful hub to help young ones deal with a favorite grandparent who is 'fading' away in confusion. Wonderful writeup and choice of learning tools. Great job!
Thanks, Denise. Yeah, it's really difficult for kids to understand what's happening to a beloved grandparent, and as you and I know so well, children's books can help kids learn in a loving, fun way that encourages them to ask questions they might otherwise be reluctant to ask.
Hi Happy,
You checked out one of my Hubs, so I'm returning the favor and boy, am I glad I did! I'm a caregiver for the elderly and most of my 'clients' have some sort of dimentia, mostly Alzheimer's though. From early onset to late stage. There is one woman who has several young granchildren and I can tell they don't understand fully why their grandma is acting the way she does. I only know the facts about Alzheimer's in a clinical sense and wasn't sure how to convey to these kids what she's going through...in "kid's terms." I'm gonna buy one or two of these books and learn what I can to help them.
Thank you so much for sharing such valuable information. You're a blessing.
peace to you...always,
Diana
Hi Diana, and thanks for the heartfelt comment. Bless you for the work you do as caregiver for the elderly and those with Alzheimer's. It is one of the most difficult and also least appreciated jobs, and yet I can tell from your comment that you do it with a lot of heart and passion. How lovely that you are going above and beyond what your job entails and including the needs of your patient's grandchildren.
Peace to you, too,
Gail
Dear Gail,
Wow, I love this piece. I am definitely bookmarking for future reference. I am a Maria Shriver fan-- love this book lots and appreciate the other recommendations.
Just today my students gave presentations on "caregiver burden" and "differentiating depression, delirium and dementia in the elderly"... Both groups spoke of the sandwich generation (even the clubsandwich, where boomers are caring for kids and parents, and grandkids...) As kids are seeing these confusing behaviors under their roof, this article is amazingly valuable in helping educate them in a nonthreatening & sensitive manner.
Voted UP & UABI-- thanks so much, mar.
Hi Marcoujor,
Thanks so much for your insightful and inspiring comment. The challenges of different generations living under one roof can be confusing to kids and grandkids and the main caregiver may feel too burdened or too ill-equipped to explain what's happening to the elderly relative who begins having cognitive difficulties. I'm glad to see you're addressing this issue with your students and that you found this hub helpful. I also appreciate the vote up.
Very well done. It is such a sensitive subject, but anything we can do to prevent its stages, well worth while. Voted up.
Welcome Thelyricwriter,
We still have so much to learn about preventing and treating Alzheimer's but we can help our children understand what's happening to their beloved grandparent(s) or elderly neighbor by reading stories that are entertaining and also help them open up to us and ask the questions that are in their hearts and minds. Kids are more observing, kind and compassionate than we sometimes give them credit for.
Thanks for the vote up. Your feedback and support is greatly appreciated.
There is a great short film whose subject matter is about Alzheimer: http://funandeducational.com/?p=1223
The film is very powerful and is suitable for kids because the protagonist of the story is a kid named Lisa whose Mom started to have Alzheimers.
Hi BlissfulWriter,
Thanks for the great link. The you tube video is well done managing to get its point across in an entertaining way that draws the viewer into the protagonist's home life in dealing with her mother's Alzheimer's.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a great comment.
Peggy W Level 8 Commenter 19 months ago
What wonderful sounding books to help kids adjust to the situation of grandparents or others in their families going down that terrible path of Alzheimer's. Once again this hub is useful and valuable. Rating it so!