A Toolkit for Children to Learn About Alzheimer's Disease with Alder Allensworth, MM, RN, LMHC & Brenda Freed, MA, MUS, Founders of Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's Disease

<p>How do we bring children and families into our interactions with our loved ones and maintain those positive relationships during difficult times?</p> <p>The inspiration behind Mackenzie Meet's Alzheimer's Disease Educational Program is based on the true story of the interaction between Alder's eight-year-old niece and Alder's mother who had Alzheimer’s disease. Alder realized that there was a lack of resources to help children learn, understand and interact with their loved ones living with the disease.</p> <p>With over 4 million people in the U.S. in the sandwich generation caring for loved ones, this toolkit provides families with education and support as they create positive memories with their loved ones from diagnosis through disease progression.  Improving the quality of life for the family is the focus of this program that highlights Mackenzie, an 8-year-old-hero. Once she learns of  Gran's diagnosis, she goes on a journey to learn about the disease and how to develop a positive relationship with her loved one using art, music, and dance.</p> <p>Alder and Brenda have worked with children and older adults in their professions and they are bringing all that knowledge with them into this program.  It was a joy to meet these kindhearted women. Thank you, Alder and Brenda, for creating a wonderful resource for children and families.</p> <p> </p> <p>Alder and Brenda share about:</p> <ul> <li>Their personal story and motivation for developing the program</li> <li>Who benefits from the program</li> <li>Why it's essential for children to be involved with their loved one who has Alzheimer's disease</li> <li>How to explain Alzheimer's disease to children</li> <li>The role that children play in the lives of their loved one who has Alzheimer's disease</li> <li>When and why should a child ask a responsible adult for help</li> <li>What are some activities that children can do together in the different stages of the disease</li> <li>Tips for adults for those incorporating their children into the care of a person with A