In this episode, we explore how to talk to children and young people about dementia in age-appropriate, stigma-reducing ways—supporting connection and well-being for both the person living with dementia and their family. Guest Angeleta Cox shares how she talked about her late mother’s young onset Alzheimer's diagnosis with her young child and two teens, while Hannah Gardner, Consultant Admiral Nurse for Children and Young People at Dementia UK, speaks to improving support and awareness for children and young people living in families affected by dementia. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

  • Children pick up on emotional and behavioural changes in both the person living with dementia and the family.

  • A dementia diagnosis affects all members of the family, including the children.

  • Children deserve to know about the diagnosis but may react in their own way.

  • Parents should inform themselves about the diagnosis and then talk to their children.

  • Talk to children early and honestly about the diagnosis, taking into account each child’s needs and age.

  • Explain to children that changes in the person living with dementia are due to their disease - no one is to blame.

  • Where appropriate, parents should share information about the diagnosis with others in the children’s lives, like teachers.

Angeleta Cox

Angeleta Cox was a guest on Defy Dementia’s Mind The Gap: Women’s Dementia Risk, and is a 51-year-old mother of three. Her mother, Sonia, was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's at age 63. At the time of Sonia's diagnosis, two of Angeleta's children were teens and the youngest was six. In this episode, Angeleta describes how they talked about Sonia's illness and its impact on the family. Angeleta works as a teacher at Ontario Correctional Services and is part owner in a restaurant. She is also the founder of the Pan-African Dementia Association, a group which spreads awareness and guidance for people and families affected by dementia.

Hannah Gardner

Hannah Gardner is the Consultant Admiral Nurse for Children and Young People at Dementia UK, leading work to improve support and awareness for children and young people living in families affected by dementia. She works to ensure their voices are reflected in policy, research and clinical practice, while shaping education and promoting best practice across sectors.

A Registered General Nurse with more than 20 years of experience, Hannah has supported families affected by all types and stages of dementia, including rarer forms. Her previous roles include Dementia Lead Nurse with a National Health Service Hospital, working in Dementia UK’s clinical services, supporting families through Rare Dementia Support and working in a local hospice service. Hannah is an Honorary Senior Associate at Bangor University and is involved in research to develop peer support groups for young dementia carers. Her commitment is also personal, inspired by her late mother’s diagnosis of young-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

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Ep. 33: Dementia 101