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Alzheimer's: Helping children understand the disease

Staying involved

Most kids are amazingly resilient. Help your child stay connected to the person who has Alzheimer's. Involve them in familiar activities, such as setting the table together. Shared leisure time is important, too. Even young children can stay connected with a loved one who has Alzheimer's by paging through photo albums, listening to music or doing other simple activities together.

If your child becomes impatient with your loved one, remind your child that the behavior isn't intentional — it's a result of the disease. Together, focus on finding ways to show your loved one how much you love him or her. Even if your loved one forgets your child's name, he or she can still feel love and kindness.

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References
  1. Parents' guide: Helping children and teens understand Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_childrenteens.pdf. Accessed Sept. 11, 2009.
  2. Just for children: Helping you understand Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/national/documents/topicsheet_kids.pdf. Accessed Sept. 11, 2009.
HQ00216 Jan. 21, 2010

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