Childhood Reflections: How Kids Echo Your Younger Self

Dementia can be compared to a bookshelf where the most recent memories are placed at the top, and occasionally these memories might slip away.

Katie, who studies at Riverdale Primary School close to Lisburn, has been receiving instruction from some exceptionally unique educators.

In addition to his classmates at the school, the 11-year-old has been gaining knowledge about dementia from elderly individuals who live with the condition.

Students from Riverdale have been interacting with residents at St Paul's Court, which is managed by Praxis Care as a supported living facility for individuals with mild dementia.

The pensioners from the home have also visited the primary school.

News NI accompanied Katie and other Riverdale students when they revisited St Paul's Court.

When they were there, the students learned about street games such as marbles and hopscotch that the previous generations enjoyed playing during their childhood.

They have likewise received instruction on what dementia entails and what life with it feels like.

What is dementia?

The NHS describes dementia as a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning.

Various factors can lead to dementia, and multiple forms of it exist.

However, certain typical signs might involve memory lapses, challenges with speech, or troubles performing everyday tasks.

Consequently, individuals suffering from dementia might find social settings challenging and could become less inclined to engage socially.

The symptoms may intensify with time.

All the inhabitants of St Paul's Court suffer from mild dementia or cognitive impairment.

What did the students learn regarding dementia?

"More than just memory loss and a condition, it affects everyday living," Katie stated.

Dementia is akin to a bookshelf where recent memories are placed at the top, and occasionally these memories can slip away.

However, students and locals have formed connections through reminiscences of youth, despite their experiences often being quite distinct from one another.

Ten-year-old Grace mentioned that they have been talking about what their elementary school was like and learning more about each other, including favorite foods and colors.

The children have learned about life with dementia through their friendships.

"When it impacts you, you usually don’t forget much from your childhood, but occasionally you might forget something you did recently," explained Kirsten, who is also 11 years old.

Grace mentioned that she had learned how to assist individuals with dementia and emphasized the importance of being patient.

She mentioned, 'They might just require a little additional time to recall things.'

As per Riverdale’s vice-principal Laura Totton, studying dementia means understanding both life and the surrounding community.

"What children might experience in the future alongside their family members is significant, and it’s crucial that we teach them about this while also inviting the community to observe our activities at school,” she stated.

I believe it's crucial for children to grasp that these residents were once their age too, allowing them to connect with them better.

What are the thoughts of the locals regarding the connection with the elementary school children?

Maisie and Sadie both live at St Paul's Court.

They have loved interacting with the children and recalling their own youthful days.

Maisie mentioned her passion for music and singing, which she actively engaged in. Additionally, she expressed her fondness for netball.

She has become friends with several of the students.

She mentioned, 'I had about three or four of them perched on the chair next to me, and it felt wonderful.'

The folks are wonderful, and so are the children.

"She lifted him up," Sadie mentioned.

You're reflecting on how you once were and everything associated with that.

I am excited about their arrival.

But Sadie admitted that playing boccia - which is a form of bowls - with the children had brought out her competitive side.

"I may not be great at them yet, but I’m improving gradually," she chuckled.

A curse word slips out sometimes!

What methods can be used to educate young children about dementia?

Riverdale Primary welcomed Tracy Smyth from Praxis Care to educate students about dementia prior to their connection with residents at St Paul's Court.

She mentioned that educating the students required a method that was both sensitive and suitable for their age.

Mrs. Smyth employed a method from the Alzheimer's Society that instructed the children on becoming "Dementia Friends."

"A disease of the brain, just like any other illness," she stated.

When explained in such terms and considering its impact, the children truly absorbed all the information.

I think it helps reduce the anxiety and nearly fearful feelings some children experience—since we tend to be afraid of things we're unfamiliar with.

For her, both personal and professional reasons fuel her drive.

She mentioned, 'My grandma had dementia, and being a young kid, I didn’t grasp why I saw her changing. She was someone whom I deeply cared for.'

As a child, the sole conclusion I could reach was that it must have been my fault, that I had somehow erred.

I promised that no child would hold onto that misunderstanding or believe such about their grandparents.

• 'Even with dementia, you can still enjoy yourself.'

• 'I wish for global conversation around dementia.'

• Individuals affected by dementia enjoy a tram excursion.