Reading and Resources List for Parents

Internet Resources

Helping Children Understand Alzheimer's Disease: About.com's list of web sites.

See the other Reading and Resources lists for Professionals, Teens and Children.

Books

See the ElderCare Bookstore for complete list of recommended readings

36 Hour Day: A Family Guide To Caring for Persons With Alzheimer's Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later Life. 3rd ed., by Mace, N.L. Rabins, P.V.. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press. 1999. 352 p.

This practical and detailed reference book provides a wealth of information to families on giving care to patients with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. The book presents background information on dementia, brain disorders, and the causes of dementia, and recent research on the pathology of dementia. Beginning with the problem of getting medical help (both accurate diagnosis and treatment) for the impaired person, the book gives practical suggestions and advice on how families and caretakers can deal with problems in independent living; problems arising in daily care; medical problems; problems of behavior and mood; getting outside help; children and teenagers; financial and legal issues; nursing homes and other living arrangements; and how caring for an impaired person affects the caretaker. Appendices list pertinent health and support organizations; where to buy or rent supplies; U.S., State, and protectorate agencies; and the rights of hospital and nursing home patients. 43 references.

Pamphlets

Talking to Children and Teens About Alzheimer's Disease Brochure/Pamphlet: Alzheimer's Association. Chicago, IL: Alzheimer's Association. 1997. 7 p. (800) 272-3900; (312) 335-8882 (TDD); FAX (312) 335-1110. Internet access: http://www.alz.org. PRICE: Single copy free. Order number: 209Z.

This brochure is intended to help parents talk to their children and teenagers so they understand what is happening to a relative with Alzheimer's disease (AD). It outlines the types of feelings children and teenagers may have about the person with AD, the ways they might express those feelings, and the questions they may ask about AD. It explains how families can help children and teenagers cope and suggests fun activities they can do with the person who has AD. It briefly describes the help offered by the Alzheimer's Association and lists some of the resources for children and teenagers that are available from the Association.

Helping Children and Teens Understand Alzheimer's Disease: Fact Sheet from the St. Louis Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

Handbooks/Manuals

"Talking With Children and Teens About Alzheimer's Disease: A Question and Answer Guidebook for Parents, Teachers and Caregivers." McCrea, J.M.; et al. Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh, Center for Social and Urban Research. 1992. Available from Generations Together. University of Pittsburgh, Center for Social and Urban Research, 121 University Place, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. (412) 648-7150. FAX: (412) 624-4810. PRICE: $15.00. Available from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging for $15. Call 412-648-7150

This handbook was developed for use by parents, teachers and caregivers to help answer the questions that children and teenagers have about Alzheimer's Disease and to help them interact with relatives and other people with dementia. Approaches to discussing Alzheimer's Disease with preschool children, school age children, and teenagers are discussed. A series of questions children might ask are presented and discussed, dealing with such topics as personality changes, awareness, behavior, memory loss, and how a child can appropriately respond to unfamiliar behavior and interact with the person with Alzheimer's Disease. Examples are given of activities that children or teenagers can enjoy with an older person with dementia. A list of resources is included, providing names of organizations, books for various age levels, and audiovisuals.

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