Athy woman launches book to help kids understand dementia 

COVID lockdown led chartered psychotherapist Lindsay Martin-Fenlon led her to create a book explaining dementia with the “massive help” of her five children.

Lindsay, who works at Droimnin Nursing Home, Stradbally, Co Laois a labour of love ensued during the dark days of the pandemic.

Her book, Melting Moments, can be used as a resource by parents and educators to navigate the challenges of dementia and help children understand the changes in their loved ones.

“My children were a great help with the book by asking me questions about dementia all the time. They were a spark to the idea of writing this,” explained Lindsay.

There are approximately 64,000 people in Ireland with dementia at present and it is believed that that number will increase to more than 140,000 by 2050 while 55 million people worldwide currently live with the disease.

Dementia is an umbrella term for many forms of brain disease. Alzheimers is the most common with 60 to 70% being affected by it, along with vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and Frontotemporal dementia and many more There is also younger onset dementia which affects people under 65 years of age.

The mum-of-five, all under the age of 11 explained that she hopes “this book will assist families to continue their relationships in an understanding, patient and loving way and help those with dementia to get the support they need to live a good quality of life.” Lindsay continued: “ Hopefully it may help to create a greater understanding and support within our community for people living with dementia and their families. The book is a means of helping to reassure children and bring them to understand what dementia is and how their loved-ones are still with them.

The story follows Toddles and Waddles, two lovable penguins who are gender neutral, on a heartfelt adventure designed to teach love and understanding around Dementia.

Melting Moments sensitively explores the symptoms of Dementia and the emotions it can stir in those affected and their loved ones. Through the whimsical adventures of Toddles and Waddles, the book reassures children that feeling scared, confused, or worried is perfectly normal.

It encourages open conversations about these complex feelings, making it an invaluable resource for families and educators navigating the challenges of Dementia.

The book is tailored for children of all ages and includes a playful search game, a helpful questions and answers section and resource information about the organisation Dementia Ireland.

Lindsay will generously donate profits from the sales of Melting Moments to Dementia Ireland, supporting the wonderful work the organisation does.

The 42-year-old has dedicated her career to enhancing her patients’ quality of life, especially those living with Dementia. She resides in Athy, Co Kildare, with her husband Niall and their children.

The book is being translated to Irish and will be available soon." Our National Language is a beautiful cultural asset that should be treasured and with less than 4% of books available in Irish, it felt only right to also cater to the young Gaelige speakers of our nation.

The 40 page book which was launched today, Thursday, 26 September is published by Orla Kelly Publishing and retails for €12 (trade discounts available-contact the author).

Ends