Researchers at the Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory at Ealing’s University of West London have launched a new free online comic, My Dementia Guide, to help children understand dementia and the changes it can cause in someone they love.
Aimed at eight to 11-year-olds, the free resource explains how memory works and why someone with dementia may behave differently or become angry, as well as suggesting activities children can do with them.
It has been developed as part of the FIND ME research study, led by Professor Emma Wolverson, which is looking at how families can be better involved in the care of people with dementia in mental health wards.
The illustrations were created by University of Plymouth students Matilda Jones, Millie Hammer, Katie Harthill and Shanara Curtis, who came up with the idea after finding there were few dementia resources specifically designed for children.
Professor Wolverson said: “Children are often overlooked in conversations about dementia. We created this comic in collaboration with the students to provide children with a way to understand what dementia is and how it can affect someone they care about.
“Research shows that involving family members as equal partners in care leads to better outcomes for people with dementia. By supporting young people to understand dementia and remain connected to their relatives, we can help people to maintain the relationships that matter most to them.”
