Alzheimer's Education: Summer Reading for Young Children

Image Credit: Enokson (Creative Commons-Flickr)

[Abstract]

Summer is the time when many children spend time with their grandparents. It is a time when, if a grandparent has Alzheimer’s, children will become aware of cognitive changes and have many questions. One way to help children understand the changes they see is through children’s books.

There are no shortages of titles these days for children. The most engaging tell stories that children can relate to, while also explaining what happens when someone has Alzheimer’s. For young children, the best explain changes in a straight-forward way and reassure children that they cannot get this disease. For all age levels, the top books give examples of how a child can continue to enjoy the company of and help the grandparent. Here are my picks, in no particular order, for young children:

Striped Shirts and Flowered Pants
By Barbara Schnurbush

This is a story about Libby and her grandmother who exhibits forgetfulness, difficulty finding words, a mood swings. It gives examples of how Libby continues to connect with her, and its overall message is that her grandmother’s love does not end. There is an excellent guide for parents at the end.

For the full summer reading list visit our blog: http://whiteoakcottages.com/summer-reading-with-young-children/