When a Grandparent Has Dementia

By Suzanna Smith, PhD, Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, University of Florida

Reviewed by Larry Forthun, PhD, Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, University of Florida

We’ve all heard about the strain associated with caring for a loved one with dementia, especially among spouses and adult children. Less often, though, do we hear about how the stress of family caregiving may affect grandchildren.

In 2012, researchers in Spain, reporting in the Journal of Family Issues, explored the changes grandchildren experienced due to having a grandparent living with dementia. While we might expect to see some important effects, instead, three-fourths of the 145 adolescents surveyed thought their lives were no different than those of their peers.

However, teens who lived with the affected grandparent were more likely to say that their family routines were different, with less time for leisure activities with family and friends. They also sometimes felt that their caregiving responsibilities conflicted with their own needs for independence and autonomy.

Researchers also looked at changes in the relationships between grandchildren and their own parents, as well as teens’ relationships with the healthy grandparent (if he or she was still alive). More than two-thirds of the teenagers felt their relationship with their parents had not changed. If it had, they most often viewed the shift as positive.

When it came to the relationship with the healthy grandparent, most teens thought the disease had affected their relationship–but usually in a positive way. Often, adolescents felt the relationship had become closer, with teens helping to relieve stress in the grandparent caregiver.

This study suggests that it’s important to consider the impact of dementia on the entire family, especially on grandchildren who live in the same house. Providing information about the disease, along with helpful coping strategies, can increase support across generations and, ultimately, improve grandchild well-being.

References:

Celdran, M., Villar, F., & Triado, C. (2012). When grandparents have dementia: Effects on their grandchildren’s family relationships. Journal of Family Issues, 32, 1218-1239. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0192513X12443051

(Originally published in a slightly different form as: Smith, S. (2013). Grandchildren and grandparents with dementia. [Radio broadcast episode]. Family Album Radio. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida.)

Photo Credits: Raul Rodriguez/iStock/Thinkstock

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Posted: April 22, 2015


Category: Relationships & Family, Work & Life
Tags: Health And Wellness, Healthy Aging, Parenting


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