Please Explain Alzheimer's Disease to Me - by Zelinger Laurie (Paperback)

About the Book

"This book, a ... resource for children and adults facing Alzheimer's in their family, introduces the subject matter to children in a colorful, sensitive, and gentle story, followed by a parent/caregiver section which supplies comprehensive information which adults can use to understand and plan for the course of the disease affecting their loved one"--

Book Synopsis

Please Explain Alzheimer's Disease to Me introduces the condition to children in a colorful, sensitive and gentle story, followed by a parent/caregiver section that supplies comprehensive information that adults can use to understand and plan for the course of the disease affecting their loved one. Dr. Zelinger, a board-certified psychologist for children, presents the situation to children in a warm, developmentally appropriate way using appealing characters of diversity, child friendly language and familiar scenes they can relate to, as well as scripts that parents can use when speaking to their child. This book is more than a helpful guide-it's the only book you will need if you have a child who is asking, "What's wrong with grandpa?"

Children will:

• Enjoy the story and illustrations and will identify with the main characters
• Get answers to their questions
• Grasp the nature and reason for a grandparent's changes
• Learn basic biological information about brain function
• Understand why a grandparent will require more care
• Feel empowered and find ways they can be helpful

Parents and caregivers will:

• Have word-for-word scripts available to answer their child's questions
• Learn about the progression of the disease
• Understand their role and the nature of care that is required
• Gain information for decision-making in areas of medical, emotional and daily care
• Know they are not alone in this difficult journey

"Dr. Zelinger has provided an engaging book that presents important information in a user-friendly format and offers adults the foundation for easily engaging children in what may initially seem like a very difficult discussion. I will be sure to recommend this resource to everyone I know in the "'sandwich generation.'" -- Shane S. Bush, Ph.D., ABPP, Board Certified in Geropsychology, President, American Board of Geropsychology

"I want to take this time to extend my sincere congratulations upon the completion of your book, Please Explain 'Alzheimer's Disease' to Me. Your ability to convey a complicated, tragic topic, through an easy-to-digest format for children is important and inspiring. In addition, your compassion and communication skills give voice to a valuable story. I look forward to following your future endeavors. Keep up the amazing work!" -- Todd Kaminsky, Senator 9^th District (New York State)

"Dr. Zelinger's book helps take the mystery out of a truly mystifying disease. The children's story will help reduce the anxiety and fear a child may have when faced with one suffering from Alzheimer's, and the adult portion of this book gives practical examples to help guide the adult when questions arise. A truly informative and inspired book." -- Marilyn Cherney, occupational therapist; grandmother

"Dr. Zelinger takes a painful topic for both children and parents alike and turns it into a beautiful story and a detailed handbook that gives us the tools we need to broach a topic we all hope to never have to face. This book is a must-read for families facing the challenges that come along with a loved one experiencing Alzheimer's disease." -- Avi Satt, president, Allegria Senior Living

"A very much-needed book to explain a difficult topic to our children and ourselves. Dr. Zelinger's warmth, insight and clinical judgment shine through her every page! This is a superlative book that will get front row billing on my office bookshelf." -- Deborah Lief-Dienstag MD, FAAP, pediatrician

From the Please Explain series

Learn more at www.DrZelinger.com

Review Quotes

"Filled with just the right number of facts and feelings, this handbook is an impactful, practical guide for anyone. Dr. Zelinger recognizes the universality of this disease, yet personalizes it with anecdotes, tips, and Q & As so that you are empowered and better able to deal emotionally. This handbook hits your head and heart and is a must "go-to" book for Alzheimer's. As a mother with 8 children, I found this book to be the singular resource needed by families with young children who are in the position of having to explain this disease." -- Kim DiLuzio

"Dr. Zelinger's thoughtful and practical book provides a story that children can relate to and a guide for parents to better explain what is happening to those who suffer from dementia. The book creates an atmosphere for emotionally intelligent conversation about the changes that happen to the person they love. Please Explain Alzheimer's Disease to Me is an excellent resource to assist families with this difficult to explain, but loving family dynamic." -- Bruce Alster, Star Factor emotional intelligence leadership coach and retired principal

"Finally! A book to explain Alzheimer's disease to children in an easy-to-understand, developmentally appropriate manner! As a nurse and mental health counselor, I know how much this book is needed, as Alzheimer's disease impacts almost 6 million adults. Please Explain Alzheimer's Disease to Me not only offers children a chance to understand the many changes that a loved one may experience due to Alzheimer's disease, but also offers resources for adults to have meaningful conversations with their child. Zelinger's book even includes a kid-friendly explanation of the changes that happen in the brain because of Alzheimer's disease! There are many changes children need to understand and adapt to when a loved one has Alzheimer's disease, and Please Explain Alzheimer's Disease to Me is a gentle and realistic way to begin those difficult conversations. Parents will find the tips for families, and the question and answer section, especially helpful." -- Casey O'Brien Martin, LMHC, REAT, RN, author of Skills for Big Feelings: A Guide for Teaching Kids Relaxation, Regulation, and Coping Techniques

"Please Explain Alzheimer's Disease to Me is a wonderful resource for families looking to help children understand their loved one's Alzheimer's/dementia condition. It is a touching portrayal of the changing relationship between children and a grandmother living with dementia. The book also includes valuable answers to common questions and further reading suggestions following the story." -- Grace Bazile M.S.L.I.S. Peninsula Public Library

"If you have a grandparent with a forgetting disease, this is a good book to help. It helped me understand what we might experience with my grandpa and also what happened with my great-grandma before she passed away. This book helped me to understand how the dementia brain gets all snarled up and doesn't work right anymore. I like to understand things, and this helped. This book isn't just helpful for kids, it's also helpful for caretakers and parents, who might be dealing with this disease for the first time." -- City Book Review