Always My Grandpa: A Story for Children about Alzheimer's Disease

We bought this book to help our 4 year old son understand what is happening with Grandpa. My dad has been getting worse lately (not knowing where he was, getting lost while running, and has had a few instances where, for a short period, he did not know who my mom was). So we figured it was time to tell our son what was really going on with Grandpa - Up to know we just told him that Grandpa forgets things easily. I thought the book was written well for a young child and it really brings up the issues that we are going to be dealing with - forgetfullness, repeated questions, not remembering family members, forgetting that the stove is on, and that he may die sooner because of this disease. We stopped several times while reading the book to make sure our son was OK and to answer any of his questions. He hid under the covers at one point until we talked through his questions and fear about this. After the book was over he said he understood it. We will read it to him again and I am sure have more in depth conversations each time. But I think it will be good for him that he can now talk to Grandpa about it and that he understands what is going on.

Ideal for parents to read to children facing Alzheimer's changes in grandparents and other loved elders. The setting creates calm and familiarity, producing an atmosphere of realism, explanation, and acceptance. The sensitivity of a practicing psychologist combined with the experience of a mom informs this gem of a story.