Alzheimer's Disease Information for Kids
Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating disease with no cure. Unfortunately, more than five million people suffer from the disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Children of a parent or grandparent suffering from Alzheimer's disease may process the change better with the right information.
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Identification
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Kids may have an easier time coping with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's disease if you explain to them what the sickness is. Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia, which is a brain disorder. People suffering from Alzheimer's disease are losing brain cells.
Symptoms
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Kids may ask why a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's disease cannot behave in the same manner as before. Explain that certain behavior is part of a normal progression of the disease. Symptoms include acting increasingly confused and displaying serious problems with memory, thinking and reasoning skills.
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Treatment
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The prognosis for sufferers of Alzheimer's disease is typically not encouraging. But let a child know that the loved one may take medicine that will help to keep symptoms manageable, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
Caregivers
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Taking care of someone with Alzheimer's disease can be stressful, but involving a child or grandchild in the process to an extent may help them to process the change. The patient will need help with every day activities such as communication, eating, getting dressed and bathing.
Prominent Ties
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Let a child know that many families have been impacted by this disease. Explain how former U.S. President Ronald Reagan suffered from Alzheimer's disease, and how he coped with the diagnosis by writing a letter to the world before he died.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of renee.
