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Children and teens

Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease has a large impact on family life.  It is important to take the time to talk to the children and teens in your family so they understand what is happening to the person with Alzheimer’s.

The degree to which children and teens are affected by the disease depends on who has the disease — a parent or grandparent, relative or friend.  Other factors include how close the child or teen is to the person and where the person lives (in the same home, nursing facility, another province or country).

Feelings and reactions

Children and teens may feel:

  • Sad about changes in a loved one’s personality and behaviour

  • Confused about how people get the disease and why the person behaves differently

  • Afraid of the way the person behaves

  • Worried that they or their parents might develop the disease

  • Angry and frustrated by the need to repeat activities or questions

  • Guilty for getting angry or being short-tempered with the person

  • Jealous and resentful because of the increased amount of time and attention that is given to the person with Alzheimer’s

  • Embarrassed to have friends or other visitors to the house

Children and teens can react in ways you may not easily recognise.  They may:

  • Complain of vague physical complaints, such as a stomach ache or headache

  • Perform poorly at school

  • Spend more time away from home

  • Stop inviting friends to the house

Ways to help children and teens cope

  • Maintain open lines of communication

  • Offer comfort and support

  • Provide opportunities for them to express their feelings

  • Let them know their feelings are normal

  • Educate them about the disease and encourage them to ask questions

  • Respond honestly to questions

Activities that can help and be done as a family

  • Go for a walk

  • Do household chores together, such as folding laundry, cooking or gardening

  • Listen to music, dance or sing

  • Look at old photographs

  • Read a favourite book or newspaper

  • Develop a memory book about the person

  • Make a family tree

  • Watch a film

  • Keep a diary

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