How to Talk to Kids and Teenagers About a Loved Ones Dementia

How to Talk to Kids and Teenagers About a Loved Ones Dementia

When someone in the family is diagnosed with dementia, it affects everyone, not just the adults. Children and teenagers notice changes quickly even if they do not always express their feelings. They may feel confused, scared, sad, or unsure about what is happening. This is why open and gentle conversations matter.

Explaining dementia to young people can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can help them understand what is happening in a calm and caring way. This guide offers simple and practical ways to talk to kids and teens about a loved ones memory loss so they can feel supported, informed, and less afraid.

Why It Is Important to Explain Dementia to Young Family Members

Many families avoid conversations because the topic feels heavy. But when kids and teens do not receive clear explanations, they often fill the gaps with their own ideas. This can lead to fear, guilt, or confusion.

Giving young people information helps them

• Understand that the loved one is not acting differently on purpose
• Feel emotionally prepared for changes that may come
• Learn how to respond with patience and kindness
• Strengthen family connection and support

Kids and teens are more resilient than we think. Honest, age appropriate conversations help them feel safe and included.

Explaining Dementia to Children

Children learn through simple and concrete explanations. They do not need every detail, but they do need clarity.

Use Simple, Clear Language

A helpful way to explain dementia to a child is to say something like

“Dementia is an illness that makes the brain not work as well as before. This makes it hard for Grandpa to remember things and sometimes he gets confused. It is not anyones fault and you cannot catch it.”

Short and clear sentences help children understand without feeling overwhelmed.

Answer Questions Honestly but Gently

Children often ask

• Why is Grandpa forgetting my name
• Will Grandma get better
• Did I do something wrong

Reassure them with simple truths

“He forgets things because his brain is sick. You did nothing wrong. It is not because he does not love you.”

Always provide comfort along with the explanation.

Let Them Share Their Feelings

Children may feel scared or sad when they see changes in a loved one. Encourage them to express themselves by saying

“It is okay to feel upset or confused. I am here to listen to you.”

Their feelings are real, and giving them space to talk helps them cope.

Prepare Them for What They Might See

If the loved one forgets names, repeats questions, or becomes easily frustrated, it is helpful to prepare the child ahead of time.

You might say

“Grandma might ask you the same question many times. She is not doing it on purpose. Her brain is just having a hard time remembering.”

This preparation helps reduce fear during real situations.

Explaining Dementia to Teenagers

Teenagers understand more complex information, but they also experience deeper emotional reactions. They may feel embarrassed, frustrated, or heartbroken as the loved one changes. Being open and supportive is essential.

Give Straightforward, Realistic Information

Teens appreciate honesty. You can explain dementia by saying

“Dementia affects the brain and slowly changes how a person thinks, remembers, and behaves. It will get more challenging over time, and the person may need more help. We will go through this as a family.”

This sets realistic expectations while building trust.

Address Their Feelings and Stress

Teenagers may hide their emotions or feel embarrassed about showing them. Let them know their feelings are normal.

You can say

“It is okay if you feel angry, sad, or confused. A lot of people feel this way when someone they love is changing.”

Create an environment where they feel safe to share.

Encourage Questions

Teens may wonder about the future but may hesitate to ask.

Let them know they can ask anything, such as

• What will happen next
• What can I do to help
• Will they forget me
• How long will this last

Your openness helps them feel less alone.

Invite Them to Be Involved Without Pressure

Teens often want to help but may not know how. Encourage small, meaningful interactions that feel natural.

They can

• Sit with the loved one and talk
• Help with simple activities
• Play music the loved one enjoys
• Look at photo albums
• Take part in light family caregiving tasks if they feel comfortable

These moments can strengthen the relationship while reducing fear.

Helping Kids and Teens Interact Comfortably with a Loved One Who Has Dementia

Once young family members understand the situation, the next step is helping them feel comfortable during visits or daily interactions.

Teach Them What to Expect

Describe the behavior they may notice, such as

• Repeating questions
• Forgetting names
• Showing mood changes
• Speaking slowly or with confusion

Explain that these behaviors are part of the illness, not the person.

Show Them How to Respond

Both kids and teens benefit from simple communication techniques like

• Speak slowly and clearly
• Use short sentences
• Maintain eye contact
• Be patient and kind
• Avoid arguing or correcting

Even small adjustments make the interaction smoother and more positive.

Encourage Simple, Enjoyable Activities Together

Shared activities help young people stay connected with the loved one in easy and meaningful ways. Activities that work well include

• Coloring or drawing
• Looking at family pictures
• Listening to music
• Watching a favorite movie
• Taking a short walk
• Doing a simple puzzle

These create moments of joy and bonding without pressure.

What Kids and Teens Should Know About Dementia

No matter their age, every young person should understand these important truths

It is not their fault

They did nothing to cause the illness.

They cannot catch dementia

It is not contagious.

Their loved one still cares for them

Even if they forget names or act differently, the love is still there.

It is okay to feel sad or confused

These feelings are normal and healthy.

They are allowed to ask questions

Questions build understanding and reduce fear.

They are not alone

The family is facing this together.

When Young People Need Extra Support

Some kids or teens may struggle more than others. Look for signs such as

• Trouble sleeping
• Fear of visiting the loved one
• Feeling overwhelmed or anxious
• Avoiding family conversations
• Behavior changes

If this happens, offer reassurance and invite them to talk to another trusted adult. Extra emotional support makes a big difference during this time.

How RIGHT ACCORD Supports Families Living with Dementia

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a journey, and families often need support along the way. At RIGHT ACCORD, we provide compassionate dementia care that helps seniors stay safe, comfortable, and respected in their own home while giving families peace of mind.

Our dementia support services include

• Personalized care plans
• Gentle redirection and calming approaches
• Medication reminders
• Help with bathing and grooming
• Safe mobility support
• Meaningful social engagement
• Memory friendly activities
• Monitoring for safety and wandering
• Emotional support for the family

Families do not have to do this alone. Our trained caregivers know how to support seniors living with dementia while making daily life easier and more comforting.

We proudly serve families in Sarasota, Venice, Manatee, Lee, and Charlotte Counties

When to Consider Professional Dementia Care

You may want to seek help if your loved one

• Is becoming more confused
• Is showing unsafe behaviors
• Needs help with daily activities
• Has mood changes or agitation
• Forgets medications
• Wanders or gets lost
• Needs constant supervision

Professional care can protect your loved ones dignity and safety while giving the family much needed relief.

Talking to kids and teenagers about dementia does not have to be scary or complicated. With calm explanations, honest answers, and supportive conversations, children and teens can understand what is happening and feel more secure during a challenging time.

When young people feel included, they grow stronger, more compassionate, and more connected to the loved one who is changing.

If you ever need help supporting a loved one with dementia, RIGHT ACCORD is here for you.

Take the Next Step

If your family needs compassionate dementia support or guidance, reach out anytime.

📞 Call RIGHT ACCORD at 941 366 0801
🌐 Visit www.rightaccordhealth.com

Serving Sarasota, Venice, Manatee, Lee, and Charlotte Counties

We are here to help your loved one stay safe and comfortable at home with care that truly understands.