Children open up about dementia in CBBC documentary
Alzheimer's Society has been working with the BAFTA award-winning documentary series My Life which returns to CBBC on Wednesday 4 February 2015 at 5.30pm.
'Mr Alzheimer's and Me' follows three young people who tell their stories of living with grandparents who have dementia.
Joshua, 11, from Essex, is very close to his grandad, Derek, who has Alzheimer's. Josh is scared that one day his grandad won't remember him, so he creates a special memory box of photos and items from Derek's past to keep the memories alive. Josh, Derek, and Yvonne (Derek's wife and carer) are also media volunteers for Alzheimer's Society.
Also featured is Hope, nine, from Cardiff who has been living with her Nanna, Mary, since her Mother died. Mary has Alzheimer's but Hope believes that one day her Nanna will get better. Mary knows her dementia will only progress and tries to prepare her granddaughter.
Elsewhere Ella, 11, from the West Midlands, visits her grandad who lives in a care home. He has Alzheimer's and needs constant care. Ella is keen to help so she completes a 10 mile sponsored walk to raise money for charity, and meets her proud grandad at the finishing line.
Speaking about the programme, George McNamara, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Alzheimer's Society said:
Joshua, 11, from Essex, is very close to his grandad, Derek, who has Alzheimer's. Josh is scared that one day his grandad won't remember him, so he creates a special memory box of photos and items from Derek's past to keep the memories alive. Josh, Derek, and Yvonne (Derek's wife and carer) are also media volunteers for Alzheimer's Society.
Also featured is Hope, nine, from Cardiff who has been living with her Nanna, Mary, since her Mother died. Mary has Alzheimer's but Hope believes that one day her Nanna will get better. Mary knows her dementia will only progress and tries to prepare her granddaughter.
Elsewhere Ella, 11, from the West Midlands, visits her grandad who lives in a care home. He has Alzheimer's and needs constant care. Ella is keen to help so she completes a 10 mile sponsored walk to raise money for charity, and meets her proud grandad at the finishing line.
Speaking about the programme, George McNamara, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Alzheimer's Society said:
'Dementia can create some challenging situations for families. It is natural to want to protect children when a loved one becomes ill, however, it is important to explain to them what is going on.
'Mr Alzheimer's and Me' takes a positive and realistic approach through the eyes of children; presenting the emotional challenges faced when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. The programme is particularly positive in showing how the grandchildren can provide stimulation to their grandparents who have dementia. All of those featured are affected differently, but is clear how their grandchildren's support brings positivity to their lives. This emphasises that simply being with the person and showing them love and affection is the most important thing that the child or young person can do.'
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I always say that we may have this illness, but we are all so different.
This is my own daily problems, but I would gladly share anyone elses, if they send them in,