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New Children’s Book aims to Raise Awareness of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

New Children’s Book aims to Raise Awareness of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

GHA Dementia Coordinator Karen Truman has published a children’s book, Mama’s Treasure Chest, aiming to help young people understand Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The book was launched on Tuesday 22nd September and was very well supported.

Mama’s Treasure Chest aims to educate children (ages 5–11) about dementia, helping them recognise potential signs and understand changes in behaviour, such as memory loss or confusion. In Gibraltar’s multi-generational society where children often spend significant time with grandparents and other older relatives, young people may see and recognise these patterns being displayed by their family members before other adults can.

The book follows a character named Mama Tilly, who experiences symptoms like forgetting a grandchild's name or struggling with daily tasks, and features recognisable local landmarks in Gibraltar, including Commonwealth Park, King’s Bastion, and Bishop Fitzgerald School, to make it more relatable for local children.

Mama’s Treasure Chest will form part of this year’s Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival School Programme introducing young people to Alzheimer’s and Dementia. A number of copies have also been purchased for upper primary schools, and the initiative has the full support of Minister for Education John Cortes, who attended the launch event.

The book is available to buy now in The Heritage Trust Shop. All author proceeds from sales of Mama’s Treasure Chest will go directly to the Gibraltar Alzheimer’s and Dementia Society (GADS).

GHA Dementia Coordinator Karen Truman said:

“This story started as a means of being able to help young children at school to understand Alzheimer’s and Dementia as part of my educational outreach work. I’m really pleased to publish this final version which I hope will raise awareness and help both children and adults have what can be those really difficult conversations. I’d like to thank the Ministry of Culture for their support with this, along with Jimmy Alcantara and Highflyer who enabled the book to be printed. Also, Chris-Anne Alcantara for her amazing drawings and of course the Gibraltar Alzheimer’s and Dementia Society for their support in launching this project. I’m delighted that all author proceeds from the sale of the book will go towards supporting their very important work for our community.”

For any further information Karen can be contacted on 54095524.