Dementia is very hard for adults to understand – so imagine how perplexing it must be for a child. Not only does a close family member like their grandma or grandpa start forgetting things, but dementia – the most common form of which is Alzheimer’s – can mean those affected have problems with planning, decision-making and language, as well as changes in their mood and behaviour. And they’re only going to get worse. But how do you explain all this to a child? “Finding out someone close to you has dementia is difficult for everyone, and we all need time to adjust and come to terms with our feelings,” says Dr Tim Beanland, head of knowledge management at the Alzheimer’s Society. “Children and young people are no different, but it can be harder for them, as they may not properly understand what dementia is, or they might find it harder to cope with their feelings. “One of the most important approaches is to listen to the concerns of the young person or child. It’s very important to try to get a sense for how much they can cope with, and tailor the discussion accordingly.” Here are Beanland’s suggestions for how to explain dementia to a child… 1. Explain what dementia is Make sure you know the facts about dementia, and convey at least some of what you know to your child, in an age-appropriate manner. “Explain as clearly and calmly as possible, at a level that the child can understand,” advises Beanland. “Try to get a sense of how much detail they can cope with.” 2. Be clear and honest Try to be as honest as you can, offering clear explanations and plenty of reassurance, Beanland says. “It’s important to make sure they know they can ask questions any time they need to.” 3. Acknowledge the affected person’s behaviour Talk about the behaviour of the person with dementia, for example if they’re forgetting where they are, or not recognising family members, says Beanland. Make sure your child knows you understand the behaviour may seem strange to them. 4. Listen carefully to what children have to say Try to imagine the situation from your child’s point of view, suggests Beanland. “Think about their relationship with the person with dementia – this will help you find out if they’re worrying about something specific,” he says. 5. Be patient You may need to repeat your explanations on different occasions, depending on the age and level of understanding of the child. 6. Tell the school If your child is at school, it’s often a good idea to let staff know that your relative has dementia, says Beanland. That way, if the child’s behaviour is affected at all by what’s happening with their relative, teachers may realise what’s triggering the behaviour. 7. Remind children you’re still there for them It’s important to reassure children that others are still there for them, says Beanland. “They need to know that, despite all the pressures, they are still loved – however preoccupied or frustrated other people may be sometimes.” He says this can help to provide opportunities for them to talk about any concerns they might have. “Give the child plenty of reassurance and hugs, and don’t be afraid to use humour, if it feels appropriate,” Beanland says. “It can help if you can laugh together.” 8. Get the person with dementia to talk to the child about their diagnosis if possible If the person with dementia has received an early diagnosis, or has a form of dementia that doesn’t initially affect their understanding and communication, they may be able to talk about their diagnosis to a child themselves. “This can potentially be a good way of reducing fear and maintaining a positive relationship,” says Beanland. 9. Let them know you are there Encourage the child to ask any questions they have, and let them know they can always talk to you without being judged. “You could also set aside a regular time to talk or do activities together when they can speak with you alone,” suggests Beanland. 10. Talk about living well with dementia Once you’ve explained as well as you can what dementia is and what’s happening to your loved one, try to be positive about their remaining abilities. “Focus on the things that the person with dementia can still do, as well as those that are becoming more difficult,” Beanland suggests. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How to make your home summer ready Jetting off this summer? Doctors share essential in-flight health tips How do heterosexual celebrities become LGBTQ+ icons?

World leaders attending the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima have been treated to a belt-expanding tour of local gastronomical delights with a host of menus showcasing the best of Japanese fine dining.

Oprah Winfrey’s latest book project is one she helped write

Want to level up your home security game? As of Oct. 25, Amazon is offering

Bangladesh has shut thousands of schools as it struggles through its lengthiest heatwave in half a century, with widespread power...

Autumn is once again here, bringing crisp air and fresh perspectives. As if on cue, the breezy space of Olympia London has been buzzing with brand-new launches and impressive displays at the annual interior design fair, Decorex. Between 8-11 October, this highly anticipated exhibition welcomed designers and makers to come together to celebrate fresh ideas and inspiration for the year ahead. After scouring the stands, here’s what to expect for our homes in 2024 from the best in design at Decorex. Ban the bland This year’s show has unveiled that bland interiors are certainly falling out of favour for more cheerful hues – even if they just appear as accents. I caught up with the co-founder of YesColours, Emma Bestley, who revealed that Electric Blue is their best-selling shade right now. Think the colour of Dory in Finding Nemo, a purple emperor butterfly, and a lapis lazuli stone. The brand likes to pair this with olive green and fresh peach hues. If you’re not ready to commit to a full ultramarine space, Bestley recommends adding a dash to your window recesses and sills, or to an otherwise unappreciated small space, like a downstairs loo. I imagine Electric Blue would make for a captivating front door colour, sitting prettily against stucco or red brick. Supersized seating The industry’s best and brightest seem to agree that bigger is indeed better – currently gravitating towards deep, U-shaped wall-to-wall sofas and cavernous armchairs that you can really curl up into. Joanna Hauptman, managing director of bespoke furniture maker, Hyde House explains: “Comfort has surged to the forefront of seating design and having larger-scale pieces helps support sociable arrangements. We’re seeing an increasing trend for cinema-style twin seats, corner suite sofas, and curved-edged chairs right now to accommodate at-home entertaining and bigger gatherings, especially ahead of the festive season.” Hyde House exhibited its Miami capsule collection with sink-in boucle seating that embraces graceful curves and soft edges. If you’re enticed by this supersized aesthetic, also look to Belgian designer, Mublo, whose modular Benedicte sofa is reminiscent of ultra-plump, loose cushions lying against each other. Florals, for winter? Groundbreaking It’s no secret that flora and fauna have long been beloved springtime motifs. House of Hackney, the British interiors and lifestyle brand known for reworking traditional design for a new generation, encourages us to embrace florals even as the weather gets chillier and nights get longer. The brand revealed its dark and decadent Gothic Garden range at Decorex, featuring rambling blooms against backdrops of jacquard and velvet. Le Boudoir D’ecorexxx – this year’s unapologetically lusty VIP lounge bar designed by Brian Woulfe – was decked with Gothic Garden textiles. In jewel-like greens and blacks with pops of amber, dusty blush, and periwinkle blue, the collection’s theme is moody mysticism meets medievalism with touches of Art Nouveau and country garden influences. Say goodbye to grey grounds It’s no secret the materials used underfoot can set the tone of a room. Christoph Wellekotter, head of product management at German flooring brand Parador – which officially introduced its expertise to the UK’s design audience this Decorex – shares, “Grey tones are losing popularity as we’re rejecting anything clinical or cold in pursuit of warmer, cosy palettes. Beiges, medium browns, and dark chocolatey woods will reign for our floors in the coming year.” He finishes, “In 2024, parquet, a flooring style which originated in the chateaux of France in the 16th century, will reign again. The elegant chevron pattern adds texture and interest to space whilst remaining neutral.” Read More Daylight saving time 2023: When do the clocks go back in US? From collars to gloomy garments: How to dress like Wednesday Addams for Halloween Don’t be a scaredy-cat: Can pets see ghosts? Daylight saving time 2023: When do the clocks go back in US? From collars to gloomy garments: How to dress like Wednesday Addams for Halloween Don’t be a scaredy-cat: Can pets see ghosts?

Google's domination of your household electronics continues apace. At Google I/O 2023, the company behind

Even marijuana use in early pregnancy can significantly harm a developing fetus, a new study found, putting children at risk for developmental delays, higher rates of ADHD and learning disabilities, and higher rates of emotional problems.

Global inflation is finally coming down, but heightened geopolitical tensions could mean that food is about to get a lot more expensive.

This week’s new entertainment releases include an album from Foo Fighters and some lost songs by the late Kenny Rogers, a new gritty HBO series from “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson called “The Idol” starring Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd

Bethesda Softworks has officially announced a release date for its highly anticipated "NASA-punk" RPG, Starfield.

Black Friday online shopping hit a record high this year in the United States. According