Dementia and Communication

Dementia is a progressive disease that gradually affects the way a person communicates. People with dementia eventually begin to show difficulty in understanding, verbal expression, repetition, reading, and writing. When dementia advances to a moderate stage, we can see the language is getting affected, and slowly, by the late stage, speech is also affected, significantly impacting communication in dementia. Their ability to process information gets weaker and their responses get delayed. To make things worse, people with dementia are likely to have sight or hearing problems which can also make it harder to communicate.

As a caregiver, you might begin to notice the following changes in the person with dementia

• Deterioration in reading and writing abilities

• Using speech that makes no sense in many instances

• Difficulty in understanding what you say or failing to respond when spoken to

• Repetition of sentences

• Lack of awareness of their own actions or behaviours

• Talking less than usual

• Cursing or using other offensive languages

People with dementia have both good days and bad days, which rely on their emotions, stress and the disease itself. There are chances, however, that there can be several other reasons for their behaviour like constipation, dehydration or any other physical causes which could be treated as well. On the bright side, communication with the person is possible, although a slightly different approach than what we are used to is required.

Communication in Dementia

Keep the following things in mind,

• Speak clearly and slowly.

• Use short sentences and avoid complicated words or sentences.

• Do not ask too many questions in one go. Ask one question at a time.

• If required, repeat the sentence or statement in exactly the same way

• Acknowledge what they have said even if that is not the answer to your question

• Rephrase the sentences or questions if necessary, if you find them struggling to comprehend and respond

• Listen patiently and allow them to complete what they have started. Don’t interrupt them while they talk. In case of arguments, agree with them or distract them through a different activity

• Avoid giving open-ended questions or offering too many choices

• Take their name while talking and maintain appropriate eye contact

• Allow sufficient time for what you have spoken to be understood

• Allow them to speak for themselves about their health and welfare

• Maximize the use of nonverbal cues, such as gestures and facial expressions

• Limit distractions and background noises

• Never ask them questions as if you are testing their memory. Even if they don’t remember what you have asked, it is possible for them to act like they know the answer but it might cause building up anxiety and frustration inside.

• Maintain positive body language and a respectful distance when engaging in one on one conversations.

• Patting them on their back or holding their hands is a good idea to make them feel closer to you while communicating with them, but make sure that they are comfortable if you do so.

• Don’t talk to the person with dementia as you are talking to a child. Treat them as an adult

A proper way of communication is one of the major keys in dementia care, else it can cause emotional trauma and distress for the individual which subsequently leads to challenging behaviours. Learning and practicing dementia communication can make the life of the person with dementia better as well as of the caregivers avoiding unnecessary frustration and stress. Note here that being patient is the essence of this process. Don’t rush into something because they cannot think or speak fast as you do. Try to keep humour in your conversations and laugh together about any misunderstandings. This will relieve them and even you from tension. Another important point to consider is getting regular vision and hearing checkups done for the elderly because correcting these issues can have a positive impact on the entire communication process.

Good healthy communication can make a big difference by assuring your loved one of their overall well-being. Remember here that it is not the person but the disease which makes things difficult.

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