Resources for Children and Teens About Alzheimer's Disease
When someone has Alzheimer's disease, it affects everyone in the family, including children and grandchildren. This resource list offers a selection of fiction and nonfiction books, articles, websites, and other materials that may help children and teenagers cope when a family member or friend has Alzheimer's. They can also help parents talk with their children about the disease.
Some of the resources on this list are free; others must be purchased. To buy an item, please contact the publisher to confirm price and payment information. Many items are also available from traditional and online booksellers.
The items in this resource list are organized alphabetically within four categories:
Always My Grandpa: A Story for Children About Alzheimer's Disease (by Linda Scacco, 2005, 48 p.)
This picture book tells the story of young Daniel and his grandfather, who has Alzheimer's disease. Daniel and his mom spend every summer with Grandpa, a fisherman who lives by the sea. Daniel loves the times spent playing baseball, walking on the beach, and hearing Grandpa's stories. But this summer is different—Daniel is about to learn what Alzheimer's means for both Grandpa and himself. A note to parents at the end of the book offers advice for helping children deal with common emotions and reactions to a loved one with Alzheimer's.
Published by Magination Press. Phone: 1-800-374-2721. Email Magination Press. Hardcover $14.95; paperback $9.95.
Do You Have a Moon at Your House? (by Jeannie Johnson, 2005, 39 p.)
This illustrated storybook is about Madison and her grandmother, who have a very special bond. Together they read stories, go on walks, or just sit on the swing and talk. When her grandmother begins to forget things and ask strange questions, Madison is worried. Her mother explains that Grandma has Alzheimer's disease. The arrival of a special gift gives Madison and her grandmother the chance to reconnect. For ages 6–10.
Available from online booksellers. Hardcover $24.99.
Flowers for Grandpa Dan (by Connie McIntyre, 2005, 32 p.)
In this picture book, a family copes with the illness of Grandpa Dan, an avid gardener who has passed on his hobby to his children and grandchildren. An informational page from the St. Louis chapter of the Alzheimer's Association suggests ways for adults to talk with children about the disease.
Available from online booksellers. Hardcover $15.19; paperback $12.53.
Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick (by Roz Rosenbluth, 2005, 32 p.)
This illustrated children's book tells the story of David and his Grandma Rosie, who has dementia. Grandma's weird and unpredictable behavior threatens to embarrass David in front of Ruben Plotnick, a new friend and the coolest kid in class. One day, Ruben invites himself over to David's house. When Grandma calls out, "Nate, let's dance," Ruben steps up and gallantly dances around the kitchen with her. David discovers the importance of looking beneath the surface to get to know someone. For ages 5–9.
Available from Independent Publishers Group. Phone: 1-800-888-4741. Email the Independent Publishers Group. Hardcover $15.95; PDF and ePub,$12.95.
Grandfather's Story Cloth (by Linda Gerdner and Sarah Langford, 2008, 32 p.)
Written in English and Hmong, this illustrated book tells the story of Chersheng and his grandfather, who is starting to forget little things like turning off the water and big things like Chersheng's name. Chersheng feels sad and helpless when he learns that Grandfather has Alzheimer's. Then Chersheng's mother gives him a Hmong story cloth that makes Grandfather's memories of his life in Laos come alive. For ages 6–10. Includes a discussion guide for parents, teachers, and healthcare providers.
Available from online booksellers. Hardcover $13.21.
Grandpa Doesn't Know Me Anymore (by Terri Kelley, 2013, 36 p.)
When his grandfather moves into his home, a young boy tries to reconnect with the man he knows. When this isn't possible, the boy promises to always love and take care of his grandpa.
Available from online booksellers. Paperback $9.49.
It Only Looks Easy (by Pamela Swallow, 2009, 192 p.)
This book tells the story of a girl, Kat, whose dog is nearly killed by Mrs. Lawrence, an elderly driver with Alzheimer's disease. When Kat visits Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence, she realizes that Mrs. Lawrence is very confused and doesn't remember what she did. After the visit, Kat's mother explains Alzheimer's to her.
Available from Macmillan. Phone: 1-646-307-5151. Paperback $6.99.
The Memory Box (by Mary Bahr, 1992, 32 p.)
This is the story of young Zach, who spends summers on a lake with his beloved grandparents. When Gramps develops Alzheimer's, his memory sometimes fails, and Zach has to help him out. Zach and his grandparents start a memory box, a wooden box filled with treasures to help everyone remember the times they shared. For ages 6-9.
Available from online booksellers. Paperback $6.88.
My New Granny (by Elisabeth Steinkellner, 2012, 32 p.)
This book tells the heartwarming story of Fini, a young girl who learns to accept her grandmother's dementia. After Granny moves in, Fini at first is puzzled by her sometimes strange and childlike behaviors. But Fini gets used to her "new Granny" and learns how she can help her mother and the new aide take care of her.
Available from Sky Pony Press. Phone: 1-212- 643-6816. Hardcover $16.95.
Remember Me? Te acuerdas de mi? (by Sue Glass, 2004, 32 p.)
Written in English and Spanish, this tale is told from a child's point of view. A little girl whose grandfather has Alzheimer's disease is confused and upset when he cannot remember her. Her mother tells her about Alzheimer's and gives the girl a job—to be her grandfather's memory and remind him about all the fun things they have done together.
Available from Raven Tree Press. Phone: 1-800-323-8270. Email Raven Tree Press. Hardcover $14.95.
Singing with Momma Lou (by Linda Jacobs Altman, 2002, 32 p.)
This book for children age 6–9 tells the story of 9-year-old Tamika and her grandmother, Momma Lou, who has Alzheimer's disease. Every Sunday, Tamika visits Momma Lou in the nursing home. Tamika uses photographs, school yearbooks, movie ticket stubs, newspaper clippings, songs, and other mementos to help Momma Lou remember important times in her life and to learn about her grandmother's life.
Available from online booksellers. Hardcover.
Still My Grandma (by Veronique Van den Abeele, 2007, 28 p.)
Recommended for ages 4–8, this illustrated story describes little Camille's fun times with her grandmother. When her grandmother develops Alzheimer's and does odd things, Camille learns about the disease and finds ways to continue their special relationship.
Available from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. Phone: 1-616-459-4591. Email Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. Hardcover $16.
Striped Shirts and Flowered Pants: A Story About Alzheimer's Disease for Young Children (by Barbara Schnurbush, 2006, 32 p.)
In this picture book for children ages 4–8, Libby and Nana love to read stories and feed birds together. But Libby notices that Nana is forgetting the words in books, mixing up the names of birds, and wearing clothes that don't match. When Libby's parents tell her about Alzheimer's disease, she begins to understand what is happening to Nana. With their reassurance and help, she finds ways to be with Nana and still do the things they love.
Published by Magination Press. Phone: 1-800-374-2721. Email Magination Press. Hardcover $14.95.
The Voice of the Climbing Rose: A Tribute to Caregivers (by Christopher Perry, 2004, 32 p.)
This illustrated storybook is designed to help children understand what is happening to loved ones with Alzheimer's. It tells the story of a mother who plants a rose bush the day her daughter was born. As time passes, the woman watches both her daughter and the rose bush grow, but she eventually develops Alzheimer's and forgets many things, including the rose bush and her own daughter. The daughter still loves and cares for her, as her mother cared for the once-fallen bush long ago. The book comes with a CD containing a lullaby.
Available from online booksellers. Paperback from $1.25.
What's Happening to Grandpa? (by Maria Shriver, 2004, 48 p.)
This book tells the story of Kate, a young girl whose grandfather has Alzheimer's disease. Grandpa has always been the best storyteller Kate has ever known, but lately he repeats himself, becomes easily frustrated, and even forgets Kate's name. When Kate's mother explains that Grandpa has Alzheimer's, Kate finds a way to cherish his life and memories. For children age 3–6.
Available from online booksellers. Hardcover $15.99.
When My Grammy Forgets, I Remember: A Child's Perspective on Dementia (by Toby Haberkorn, 2015, 38 p.)
This picture book, told from a young girl's perspective, reveals the closeness and love between a grandmother and granddaughter as they spent time together. The girl notices changes in her Grammy's behavior, like how Grammy can't read to her anymore. The girl's mother tells her that "Grammy's brain is not working properly" but assures her that Grammy still loves her. The refrain "My Grammy hugs me tight" becomes "I hug my Grammy tight."
Available from online booksellers. Paperback $12.95.
Why Did Grandma Put Her Underwear in the Refrigerator? An Explanation of Alzheimer's Disease for Children (by Max Wallack and Carolyn Given, 2013, 40 p.)
Seven-year-old Julie explains Alzheimer's to young readers in terms they can understand. Told from a second-grader's point of view, this illustrated book can help children cope with a relative's gradual memory loss and new behaviors and learn how to care for a relative in their own way.
Available from online booksellers. Paperback $11.53.
A Young Man's Dance (by Laurie Knowlton, 2006, 32 p.)
This illustrated children's book tells the story of a young boy whose Grandma loved to dance with her grandson while cookies baked in her oven. Now she lives in a nursing home, where she sits in a wheelchair and doesn't remember the cookies or her grandson's name. Seeing his grandmother like this is hard for the boy. One day, when a band plays at the nursing home, the grandson finds a way to relive dancing with Grandma.
Available from online booksellers. Hardcover $14.26.
This website seeks to raise awareness of Alzheimer's and engage teens in the cause. For teens with family members affected by the disease, AFA Teens offers an online community with support from experts and the chance to share experiences and connect with each other through a bulletin board and blog. Other features include an e-newsletter and calendar of events.
Published by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Phone: 1-866-AFA-8484. Email the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Free online access.
This web page explains the parts of the human brain, functions they control, and how they work, with accompanying figures. It describes the brain's communications system and lists major neurological disorders that alter the brain's ability to function properly.
Published by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Email the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Free online access.
Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip (by Jordan Sonnenblick, 2012, 304 p.)
After Peter's hopes to join his new high school's baseball team are dashed, he turns to an old hobby, photography. Taught by his grandfather, a professional photographer, Peter spends more and more time with his grandfather and a girl in photography class at school. Grandpa's forgetfulness and new habits puzzle Peter until he learns about Alzheimer's. This novel explores friendship, romance, family, and tragedy. Age 12 and up.
Published by Scholastic Press. Phone: 1-800-724-6527. Hardcover $12.59; paperback $5.59.
Pop (by Gordon Korman, 2011, 272 p.)
New-boy-in-town Marcus joins the school football team and meets Charlie, a middle-aged man who turns out to be retired NFL linebacker Charlie Popovich, "the king of the pop." Marcus's rival teammate Troy turns out to be Charlie's son. This book weaves a tale of intergenerational friendship as Marcus learns that Charlie has early-onset Alzheimer's—a fact that Charlie's family desperately wants to hide but that is increasingly hard to ignore.
Published by HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. Phone: 1-212-207-7000. Email HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. Paperback $9.99.
Trudy (by Jessica Lee Anderson, 2005, 192 p.)
In this novel for teens, Trudy, who is in middle school, has older parents who are sometimes mistaken to be her grandparents. And if that isn't enough, math class isn't going well, and her best friend Ashley has ditched her for a new crowd. Then Trudy finds a new best friend and has her first crush on a boy. Just when things are starting to look up at school, Pop is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and Trudy and her mother face some tough decisions.
Available from Milkweed Editions. Phone: 1-800-520-6455. Hardcover $6.95
About My Grandfather, About My Grandmother (2007, 6:30)
This video features young children and teens from two different families talking about what it's like to experience a grandparent's dementia. They discuss how they learned about Alzheimer's, their feelings during situations that arose, and how they responded.
Produced by the Alzheimer's Society. Free online access.
Alzheimer's Disease (2011)
This short website article for children describes Alzheimer's disease, what happens to the brain, symptoms and diagnosis, and treatment. It also discusses how children might react to a loved one with Alzheimer's and simple ways to show caring and love.
Published by the Nemours Center for Children's Health Media. Free online access.
Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? (2009, 30:48)
This film is part of The Alzheimer's Project, which looks at groundbreaking scientific discoveries and seeks to increase public understanding of Alzheimer's research and caregiving. Narrated by Maria Shriver, it tells five stories of children ages 6–15 whose grandparents have Alzheimer's. It shows how dementia can affect children and how children can relate to older family members with memory problems. An accompanying discussion guide (PDF, 318K) is designed to help start family and community conversations between kids and adults about the film and about Alzheimer's disease.
Produced by HBO Documentary Films. Free online access.
Information About Dementia for Young People (PDF, 152K) (2012, 2 p.)
This fact sheet provides basic information about dementia for children and adolescents. The first part provides a general overview of dementia, its symptoms, and diagnosis. The second part explains how dementia can affect children and grandchildren, how kids can help people with dementia, and how kids can handle their feelings about dementia. Includes a list of downloadable publications.
Available from Alzheimer's Australia. Free online access.
This web page links to several videos, fact sheets, and other materials to help young people understand Alzheimer's disease, how it affects the brain, and how to cope with a family member's diagnosis. It links to the Alzheimer's Association's "Brain Tour" and related websites, as well as resources for parents to help them talk to children about Alzheimer's. Includes videos for teens.
Published by the Alzheimer's Association. Phone: 1-800-272-3900. Email the Alzheimer's Association. Free online access.
After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer's: Libby's Story (2011, 3:49)
In this video, Libby explains how she told her grandson about her diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and "made memories" with him.
Produced by the Alzheimer's Association. Free online access.
Explaining Dementia to Children and Young People (2013, 8 p.)
Finding out that someone close to you has dementia, and coping with the ongoing illness, can be distressing for anyone, including children and young people. This fact sheet explains how children and teens can be affected and suggests ways parents can talk with their children about dementia and help them feel secure and involved.
Published by the Alzheimer's Society. Free online access.
When a family member has Alzheimer's, it affects everyone in the family, including children and grandchildren. This article suggests ways to help children and teenagers cope with their feelings and find ways to spend time with the person with Alzheimer's.
Published by the National Institute on Aging's Alzheimer's and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center. Phone: 1-800-438-4380. Email the ADEAR Center. Free online access.
Parents' Guide: Helping Children and Teens Understand Alzheimer's Disease (PDF, 1.6M) (2018, 12 p.)
This brochure is intended to help parents talk to their children and teenagers so they can understand what's happening to a relative with Alzheimer's disease. It outlines the emotions children and teens may feel and how they might express them, as well as questions they may ask. The brochure also suggests activities kids can do with the person with Alzheimer's and other ways parents can help kids cope.
Published by the Alzheimer's Association. Phone: 1-800-272-3900. E-mail the Alzheimer's Association. Free online access.
This four-part dementia education curriculum for high school students includes an overview of dementia, information about caregiving, community resources in Michigan, and career paths and volunteer opportunities for students interested in working with older adults. The curriculum addresses many issues that teens with Alzheimer's in the family may face and suggests activities and coping strategies.
Available from Northern Michigan University. Phone: 1-906-227-1000. Free online access.
Content reviewed: May 19, 2017