Even though there are only a few days left in September, I thought this was still relevant for our young patrons and families. September is World Alzheimer's Month, a time to raise awareness and research funds (through countrywide walk-a-thons) for this awful disease. According to The Alzheimer's Association, 5.4 million people is the U.S. are living with this disease that has no cure or prevention. What does that mean for our library children? Just imagine how many preschool/school-age children have parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors dealing with Alzheimer's. My father recently passed away after struggling for several years with Alzheimer's. My children and nieces and nephews are all preschool/school-age and were very confused by the change and loss of their beloved Papa.

Massillon Public Library has several books in our catalog to help explain Alzheimer's disease to young children. Here are a few recommended books:



Still My Grandma by Veronique Abeele. "A young girl describes her special relationship with her grandmother, both before and after Grandma contracts Alzheimer's Disease."

Singing with Momma Lou by Linda Jacobs Altman. "Nine-year-old Tamika uses photographs, school yearbooks, movie ticket stubs, and other mementos to try to restore the memory of her grandmother, who has Alzheimer's disease."

What's Happening to Grandpa? by Maria Shriver. "Kate has always adored her grandpa's storytelling - but lately he's been repeating the same stories again and again.One day he even forgets Kate's name. Her mother's patient explanations open Kate's eyes to what so many of the elderly must confront: Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory loss. With special insight derived from her own father's struggle with Alzheimer's, Maria Shriver offers a touching and optimistic story that encourages awareness, acceptance, and dialogue among family and friends."

Grandpa's Music: a Story about Alzheimer's by Alison Acheson. "Although Alzheimer's disease makes it difficult for Callie's grandfather to remember things, his family keeps him occupied, and Callie's special task is to help him enjoy playing the piano and singing favorite songs."

Our Children's Department staff can help you find more books on this subject if you're interested.