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Introduction
Alzheimers disease has a large impact on family life.
It is important to take the time to talk with the children
and teens in your family so they understand what is happening
to the person with Alzheimers.
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, out-of-state, etc.)
Feelings and reactions
Children and teens may feel:
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Sad about changes in a loved ones personality and
behavior
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Confused about how people get the disease and why the
person behaves differently
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Afraid of the behaviors that the person exhibits
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Worried that they or their parents might develop the
disease
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Angry and frustrated by the need to repeat activities
or questions
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Guilty for getting angry or being short-tempered with
the person
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Jealous and resentful because of the increased amount
of time and attention that is given to the person with
Alzheimers
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Embarrassed to have friends or other visitors to the
house
Children and teens may exhibit their emotions in ways you
may not easily recognize. They may:
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Verbalize vague physical complaints, such as a stomachache
or headache
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Perform poorly in school
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Spend more time away from home
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Stop inviting friends to the house
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Ways to help children
and teens cope
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Maintain open lines of communication
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Offer comfort and support
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Provide opportunities for them to express their feelings
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Let them know their feelings are normal
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Educate them about the disease and encourage them to
ask questions
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Respond honestly to questions
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Activities that
can help and be done as a family
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Go for a walk
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Do household chores together, such as folding laundry,
raking leaves, or washing dishes
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Listen to music, dance, or sing
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Look at old photographs
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Read a favorite book or newspaper
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Develop a memory book about the person
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Make a family tree
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Watch a movie
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Keep a journal together
Kids & Teens
Web section
To help children and teens learn more about Alzheimer's disease
and understand how it affects them, we have a special Kids
& Teens section. It includes printed resources, book
reviews and links to sites that explain how the brain works.
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