What to say

When telling family and friends about a dementia diagnosis, consider:

• Explaining the disease and its effects. Make sure your family and friends understand that dementia is a disease in which brain cells waste away and die, causing a decline in memory and thinking over months to years. Explain the symptoms the person with dementia is likely to experience and how the disease might progress. Learning about dementia might help family and friends feel more comfortable around the person, as well as prepare for the future.
• Sharing resources. Provide educational material from organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association. Let family and friends know about any local support groups.
• Asking for help. Tell family and friends how they can help. Explain that social interaction can support the person's preserved abilities and skills. If you need caregiving support, ask specifically for what you need, such as help getting groceries.

If you're explaining a dementia diagnosis to a child, consider his or her age and relationship to the person to determine how much to share. You might say, "Grandma has a sickness in her brain that's causing her to forget names."

Try to answer questions simply and honestly and listen to the child's concerns. Explain that sadness or anger is normal and that the person with dementia didn't cause the disease.