New book helps teach children about Alzheimer’s Disease

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has a new educational tool to help adults discuss Alzheimer’s disease with young children in an age-appropriate way.

Gardening with Grandma: An Alzheimer’s Story for Children and Their Families is an educational children’s book created by AFA as a resource for adults.

The book is $12.95. Proceeds go toward AFA’s programs, services, and research toward a more effective treatment/cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Click HERE to order.

“When Alzheimer’s enters a family’s life, it often brings many questions—children especially may not understand what is happening or why their loved one is behaving a certain way,” said AFA President & CEO Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. “This educational tool gives adults a way to explain Alzheimer’s disease to a child in an age-appropriate way, help them understand brain changes, provide tips on how to engage with their loved ones, answer questions and show them that love is a bond that Alzheimer’s can never break.”

Gardening with Grandma is designed to be a teaching tool adults can use to have a conversation with a child about Alzheimer’s disease. The book follows 8-year-old Luke’s learning experience as he finds new ways to connect with his grandmother who has Alzheimer’s disease. Grandma, who is early in her diagnosis, is able to share with him that even though she has a disease that affects her memory and behavior, she still loves him. The story unfolds as Luke adjusts to her move to a new home with more support.

Gardening with Grandma also includes a special message to adults to help them have meaningful, age-appropriate conversations with a child when a special person in their life has Alzheimer’s, including guidance on how to initiate the conversation, sample questions to ask the child, and tips to help them better understand. AFA’s Helpline, staffed entirely by licensed social workers and available seven days a week, can also provide information about discussing Alzheimer’s disease with a child or assistance with other Alzheimer’s-related questions. The Helpline can be reached by phone at 866-232-8484 or text message at 646-586-5283.

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