When dementia strikes a loved one, the pain ripples through the entire family – but few consider how deeply it affects the youngest members. One mother has bravely opened up about how her children were left terrified by their grandmother's deteriorating condition.
"At first, they just thought Nana was being forgetful," she recalls. "But as her dementia progressed, their confusion turned to fear."
The Moment Everything Changed
The turning point came when the grandmother failed to recognise her own grandchildren. "They ran to her for a hug like always, but she pushed them away," the mother explains. "That's when I saw real fear in their eyes."
Explaining the Unexplainable
Attempting to explain dementia to children presents unique challenges:
- Young minds struggle with the concept of memory loss
- Personality changes can be frightening
- Children often blame themselves
- The unpredictability creates anxiety
Coping Strategies That Helped
The family gradually developed ways to manage the situation:
- Using simple, age-appropriate explanations
- Maintaining routines during visits
- Creating memory books together
- Finding moments of joy amidst the sadness
"We've learned to cherish the good days," the mother says. "When she smiles at them, even for a second, it means everything."
The Hidden Toll on Young Carers
Experts warn that children in these situations often become "young carers" without recognition. The emotional burden can manifest as:
- Sleep disturbances
- School performance issues
- Social withdrawal
- Unexplained physical symptoms
This family's story highlights the urgent need for better support systems helping children navigate a loved one's dementia journey.
