Studies point to the healing power of a grandparent-grandchild relationship for people with dementia
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hen Kayla was in her early teens, her grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Eventually, it grew to include dementia.
“In the beginning stages of her cognitive decline, I’d go over to visit and play Rummikub,” Kayla shares. “While we played, I would tell her about my day and what was happening in my life. Even though she didn’t really respond, I spoke with her as if she could.”
Kayla’s visit accomplished far more than she likely realized — for her grandmother, and for herself. Though modern medicine has yet to develop a cure for Alzheimer’s disease or any other form of dementia, recent studies point to the healing power of the grandparent-grandchild relationship.
According to the Women’s Healthy Aging Project in Australia, babysitting grandchildren may actually prevent Alzheimer’s disease by increasing brain function and memory. Research also shows that caring for grandchildren can help protect against depression, boost social connections, and keep older adults mentally sharp.
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