Dementia expert's Christmas advice for family gatherings

A LIFESTYLE expert has compiled a guide for Daily Express readers on how to approach the subject of dementia with children at Christmas.

- Chris Riches

During multi-generational family gatherings, some youngsters may not have seen grandparents or elderly relatives in some time, and could notice changes that might be difficult to explain.

A recent dementia diagnosis in the family may also need to be addressed at some point.

Suzanne Mumford, the head of dementia and lifestyle at Care UK, has put together some advice just for our readers on how to deal with dementia around children during the festive season.

Suzanne said: "When families get together at Christmas, symptoms of dementia may become apparent.

"Children might have questions about why their grandparent no longer recognises them or begins acting unusually at the Christmas dinner table.

"Here are my tips on the best way to broach the subject with children and help ensure that Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year."

KEEP IT SIMPLE

"We should always aim to be transparent to children and explain in simple words what's happening rather than sweep it under the rug.

Start with basic definitions.

"Explain that dementia is a condition that affects the brain, making it hard for someone to remember things or think clearly.

"Avoid medical jargon and focus on what children can understand.

Always try to explain the situation as clearly and calmly as possible and share the facts without overwhelming them.