Granny Can’t Remember Me
A Children’s Book About Alzheimer’s
Granny Can’t Remember Me is a lighthearted picture book about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia told from the perspective of a six-year-old boy, appropriate for ages 3 – 8. Granny can’t remember that Joey likes soccer and rockets and dogs. Granny can’t remember much of anything. But with Granny’s stories of her Three Best Days, Joey knows she loves him just the same.
Alzheimer’s disease is common, and many young children experience this sometimes scary and sad family situation. Granny Can’t Remember Me shows a boy’s acceptance and love for his grandmother even with this unfortunate illness.
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Testimonials for Granny Can’t Remember Me
A wonderfully illustrated book about understanding Alzheimer’s and other dementias that children and parents need to read… This story doesn’t just focus on what Granny can’t do–but what she can do… Public libraries would benefit from stocking this book on their shelves.
5 Stars. A sweet, gentle story that conveys a way to show your youngsters how to talk to Granny or Grandpa… I’d suggest it could be helpful for all kids, older kids, [too]… This book is relevant and insightful.
About Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder which largely affects older adults and is the most common cause of memory loss and dementia. There are other kinds of memory loss as well, and all lead to confusion, disorientation and frustration. Dementia affects not only memory, but also thinking and behavior. Short term memory loss occurs initially, allowing the person with Alzheimer’s to remember events and people from the past much more easily than recent experiences. Symptoms slowly worsen over time.
The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is currently unknown. Over 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and that number will grow quickly as the population ages. Worldwide, 5-7 percent of people over the age of 60 have dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatment can slow the progression of symptoms. There are many ways to lessen the anxiety of the person with Alzheimer’s disease. Avoid asking questions, as even simple questions like what someone had for lunch can provoke confusion and worry when they cannot remember. Instead, say, “It looks like you had macaroni and cheese for lunch. I like macaroni and cheese.” Avoid corrections or argument, instead go along with the person whatever their current reality. If they say they need to wait for Jim to arrive before eating, and Jim moved away years ago, say, “He called and said he would be late and for us to start without him.”
Tips on caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be found at these websites:
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
See my personal tips for joyful conversations with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia:
Tip #1. Don’t ask questions
Tip #2. Enjoy, no matter what the current space or reality
Read my guest blog post on bringing my mother to Seattle, written for the Alzheimer’s Association, Washington State Chapter:
Recommended books about Alzheimer’s Disease: