Natalia Rosania, Founder
My name is Natalia. When I was 14, my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I felt extremely alone and confused during this time. I was reluctant to talk to anyone about how I was feeling because I didn't want to be a burden. In comparison to what my grandmother was going through, my issues seemed insignificant and unworthy of others’ attention. I now realize that I was mistaken.
I created A Teen’s Guide to Dementia so that other teens coping with a grandparent’s illness don’t have to suffer alone like I did. Our goal is to provide information, resources, and remind teens that there is support out there. Our Whatsapp group is a safe space for teens affected by Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia and neurocognitive impairment to connect with each other.
I know how important it is for kids to communicate and have relationships with people they have things in common with. My hope is to build a community here where we can learn, process, heal and help one another.
Adele Ziemba, President of DMV Chapter
My name is Adele, and I am a student based in DC. My grandpa is currently going through the early stages of dementia, and I have witnessed the way that this has impacted my family members’ mental health as well as my own. I think it’s easy for teens to focus on how other family members are doing (in my case, my mother and grandmother) and feel like they can’t ask for support or admit they are struggling themselves.
I am still figuring out what works best for me when it comes to handling my grandfather’s illness, but I have found that focusing on other people and trying to support loved ones is helpful. I want to connect teens in similar situations across the DMV area, continue working one-on-one with people in assisted living facilities, and conduct and share research about methods we can use to mitigate the effects of dementia. I have found that open connection and engagement is helpful, and I think sharing art and music is a great way to do that.
Outside of A Teen’s Guide to Dementia, I enjoy writing, reading, and cooking, and I am a features editor of my school newspaper.