- The behavioral or memory changes that occur in a grandparent or parent with Alzheimer's can be confusing and upsetting for children who don't understand the diagnosis.
- Children's books are a good way to introduce the topic of Alzheimer's or dementia to a child between 3 and 10 years old.
- The Alzheimer's Association has resources on how to discuss Alzheimer's with a child or teen.
Leticia had begun to notice some behavioral changes in her mother lately. It’s not long after that that she receives an official diagnosis – Alzheimer’s.
Because her mother already lived with her, Leticia assumed the role of caregiver, and although she’s learning a lot about what to expect and how to navigate her new caregiving role, she is still struggling to explain to her two young children why their Nana’s personality is changing.
Leticia’s children are 4 and 7 years old, and both big fans of the colorful picture books that fill the shelves in their living room. This gives her an idea.
15 Books for Children about Dementia
The following books are the ones that Leticia decided to buy or rent from her local library. She hopes that the stories will help her children ask questions and understand their Nana better.
Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox
Reading level: 3 - 8 years
A small boy lives next to a nursing home where his favorite friend Miss Nancy resides. When Miss Nancy loses her memory, he sets out to find it for her.
What a Beautiful Morning by Arthur A. Levine
Reading level: 3 - 6 years
Noah and his Grandpa have beautiful mornings doing some of their favorite things together. One summer, Grandpa seems to forget what it is that they like to do.
Reading level: 3 - 7 years
A little girl struggles to come to terms with her grandad's increasing forgetfulness.
Remembering for Both of Us by Charlotte Wood
Reading level: 3 - 7 years
Tasha and her PaPa love each other, but lately he is confused, upset, and forgetful. Can Tasha’s grandmother help her see that while PaPa is changing, his love for Tasha has not?
Weeds in Nana’s Garden by Kathryn Harrison
Reading level: 3 - 9 years
A girl’s bond with her Nana blooms as they tend to Nana's magical garden. One day, the girl begins to find weeds in the garden.
What’s Happening to Grandpa? by Maria Shriver
Reading level: 3 - 9 years
Kate has always adored her grandpa's storytelling, but lately he's been repeating the same stories again and again. Determined to help, Kate creates a photo album of their times together.
My Book about Brains, Change and Dementia, by Lynda Moore
Reading level: 4 - 7 years
A unique and honest children's book helping children under 5 understand what dementia is and how it affects their relatives.
Reading level: 4 - 7 years
Oscar loves Grandma, and their time together is always lots of fun. As she becomes less able to look after herself, she has to go into a care home.
Really and Truly by Emilie Rivard and Anne-Claire Delisle
Reading level: 4 - 7 years
Charlie is very close to his grandfather, who loves to tell stories that make Charlie laugh. But lately, Charlie's grandpa doesn't have any new stories to tell — a disease has stolen grandpa's memories, his appetite, and even his smile. Now Charlie has a plan, and this time he’ll be the one telling the stories.
Reading level: 5 - 7 years
Riley loves spending time with her grandparents, but after visiting them one day, she notices Grandma doesn't recognize her. Riley tries her best to help Grandma remember by writing about their time together in a diary.
The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros
Reading level: 5 - 8 years
James's Grandpa has the best balloons because he has the best memories. But when Grandpa's balloons begin to float away, James can't catch them. Grandpa may no longer have balloons of his own, but James has many more than before, and it's up to him to share.
A Doll for Grandma by Paulette Sharkey
Reading level: 5 - 8 Years
Kiera loves spending time with her grandma, but then grandma starts to change. Soon she has to move out of her home into a memory-care center for people with Alzheimer's. Kiera has an idea for a new way to enjoy time with her grandma.
Grandma and Me by Beatrice Tauber Prior & Mary Ann Drummond
Reading level: 5 - 9 years
A gentle, age-appropriate description of Alzheimer's disease, with tools to help children continue to have a relationship with their loved one despite the disease.
A Million More Kisses by René Schultz
Reading level: 6 - 10 years
Geronimo the chihuahua loses his elderly Nonnie. This story teaches children about dementia, home care, visiting nurses and funerals. Also included are talking points by Geronimo and activity ideas on keeping memories alive.
Reading level: 7 - 11 years
When Gramps realizes he has Alzheimer's disease, he starts a memory box with his grandson to keep memories of all the times they have shared.
Learn more about dementia or the Alzheimer’s right here on the Homethrive platform.
To find out more about the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s and dementia research, you can get live assistance from an expert by reaching out to a Care Guide for direct caregiving support.