My Little Grandmother Often Forgets

Reeve Lindbergh

Illustrated by Kathryn Brown

Pub. Candlewick Press Massachusetts 2007

ISBN 978-0-7636-1989-3

Many people begin to find it difficult to remember things as they age, and the onset of Alzheimer disease in a family member can be very upsetting for others. This charming story with its quirky drawings handles this issue in a gentle and heartwarming way, and shows how children can help their affected grandparent with little things during the course of their day.

The young boy talks (in rhyme) about how his “little grandmother” – who is drawn not much taller than he – forgets simple things and becomes confused, so he and his parents need to keep finding things for her and reminding her where they are and what she is doing – “She doesn’t know why, and she doesn’t know how; when she thinks about THEN, she forgets about NOW.”

For primary-school aged children. Though they may not be able to read it for themselves, parents can read this with them and it would provide a safe opportunity to talk about their own family member and work out ways they can help them keep themselves safe.

For New Zealand families, Alzheimers New Zealand has a very useful website where they can learn more about this condition

http://www.alzheimers.org.nz/

Alzheimers New Zealand

is a support and advocacy organisation for people with dementia, their carers, family, whanau and community.  Dementia is a neurological disease which affects memory, cognitive function, personality, emotion and quality of life.