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Summary

Please Explain Alzheimer's Disease to Me introduces the condition to children in a colorful, sensitive and gentle story, followed by a parent/caregiver section that supplies comprehensive information that adults can use to understand and plan for the course of the disease affecting their loved one. Dr. Zelinger, a board-certified psychologist for children, presents the situation to children in a warm, developmentally appropriate way using appealing characters of diversity, child friendly language and familiar scenes they can relate to, as well as scripts that parents can use when speaking to their child. This book is more than a helpful guide-it's the only book you will need if you have a child who is asking, "What's wrong with grandpa?"  Children will:  

Enjoy the story and illustrations and will identify with the main characters  Get answers to their questions  Grasp the nature and reason for a grandparent's changes  Learn basic biological information about brain function  Understand why a grandparent will require more care  Feel empowered and find ways they can be helpful 
  Parents and caregivers will:  

  Have word-for-word scripts available to answer their child's questions  Learn about the progression of the disease  Understand their role and the nature of care that is required  Gain information for decision-making in areas of medical, emotional and daily care  Know they are not alone in this difficult journey 
  "Dr. Zelinger has provided an engaging book that presents important information in a user-friendly format and offers adults the foundation for easily engaging children in what may initially seem like a very difficult discussion. I will be sure to recommend this resource to everyone I know in the 'sandwich generation.'"   -- Shane S. Bush, Ph.D., ABPP, Board Certified in Geropsychology, President, American Board of Geropsychology  "Dr. Zelinger's book helps take the mystery out of a truly mystifying disease. The children's story will help reduce the anxiety and fear a child may have when faced with one suffering from Alzheimer's, and the adult portion of this book gives practical examples to help guide the adult when questions arise. A truly informative and inspired book."   -- Marilyn Cherney, occupational therapist; grandmother  "...A very much needed book to explain a very difficult topic to our children and ourselves. Dr. Zelinger's warmth, insight and clinical judgment shine through her every page! This is a superlative book that will get front row billing on my office bookshelf. "  -- Deborah Lief-Dienstag MD, FAAP, pediatrician  "Dr. Zelinger takes a painful topic for both children and parents alike and turns it into a beautiful story and a detailed handbook that gives us the tools we need to broach a topic we all hope to never have to face. This book is a must-read for families facing the challenges that come along with a loved one experiencing Alzheimer's disease."   -- Avi Satt, president, Allegria Senior Living  From the Please Explain series

• Young Readers