14 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • November 2015
A
ccording to the Alzheimer's Association,
in 2015 there are over 5 million
Americans living with Alzheimer's dis-
ease. In addition to the individuals directly
suffering from the condition, millions more
are affected through roles as caretakers and
family members. What can you do to help
your child if a beloved family member, such
as a grandparent, is changing and forgetting
right before their eyes?
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) sug-
gests that your approach be tailored to
your child's age. A teenager, who has known
their grandparent for many years, may have
a hard time coping, and may not want to
spend much time with their grandparent.
The NIA recommends that you respect this
and do not force interactions. With a young
When Grandma
Doesn't Remember
Your Child
BY MARY BECELIA
