How do you talk to your child about Memory Loss?

Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Lewy Body Dementia.

Let's pick one specific topic for this blog that you can also use for all three of these conditions. We’ll pick Alzheimer’s. Talking to your child doesn't mean sitting down and going over facts and statistics. Thier's a lot more that will not only help you feel confident going into the conversation, but it will leave your child feeling comfortable with the information they just received and to continue asking questions.

1) Pick a space both you and your child feel comfortable along with an activity you can both do together. If you choose to purchase, Come With Me Papa that’s a great ice breaker however, I as a parent would also have a sensory activity’s available for your child (see other pages for activities).

2) Reassure your child that Alzheimer’s is not something that will happen to everyone. Also don't be afraid to tell your child who Alzheimer’s is affecting in your family.

3) Provide your child with the “child friendly “version of Alzheimer’s based on their age. If your child is six it’s ok to tell your child that their loved one is forgetting things, living in a place that can help them take care of themselves because they have a harder time now, or even that they will tell them the same stories over and over again. I would refrain personally from going into telling my six-year-old about how the brain works and how the later stages will look. Those type of conversations I personally would save for when you start entering that faze or when they get older.

4) Give examples! Kids understand examples like “remember when your Papa didn't remember we ate dinner and he asked for dinner again right after? Or remember when your Papa called me by another name and I corrected him?” That will normalize it for your child. It will allow your child to also see that it has been happening already and not be so scared of the unknown.

5) Allow and ask your child to ask questions. This is a time that the whole family is struggling to find their feelings and emotions around Alzheimer’s and having your child at any age ask questions will sometimes be difficult. Don't shut them out. Allow them to ask and if that’s something your can't answer be honest and say “I’m not sure but let me look into it.” Then revisit it later that day. Keep your promises to your children. If it's something you can answer break it up into small words they can understand.