Helping your child or teen cope with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer's changes the lives of everyone it touches. Children and teens, especially, may respond in various ways, depending on whether the individual with Alzheimer's is a grandparent, parent, other relative or friend; how close the child is to the person; and whether that person lives in the same house, at a nursing home or in another state or country. Naturally, the impact is greatest when the person with Alzheimer's lives in the same home and is particularly close to the child.

Children may get less attention when their parents are focused on caregiving and may find their normal routine disrupted. They may even be asked to help with caregiving. At the same time, other physical and developmental changes could be taking place. As a result, they may experience a wide range of emotions: sadness, confusion, fear, worry, anger, frustration, guilt, jealousy, resentment and embarrassment. These may be shown in behavior changes, physical complaints, slipping school performance, greater absences from the home or no longer bringing friends to visit.

If you notice any of these behaviors, take time to talk with the child. Help him or her to understand that while the person with Alzheimer's may not look sick, changes in their brain are affecting how they remember, think and feel. Allow children to express their emotions and support them by letting them know their feelings are normal. Respond openly and honestly in language they can understand.

Help your child make interacting with the affected person a positive and rewarding experience for both. Encourage them to share familiar and undemanding activities an individual with Alzheimer's might enjoy, such as taking walks, listening to music, singing, looking at old photographs, making a scrapbook or folding laundry.

For more tips and ideas, visit www.alz.org/Resources/TopicIndex/KidsTeens.asp.