How to Communicate with Someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Declining cognition is a challenge for older adults and anyone in their sphere of influence. Try as they might, people with cognitive conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease will gradually lose some thinking abilities, according to Healthline. They may be challenged by difficulties in learning, paying attention, reasoning and remembering.

In the United States, one in nine people ages 65 and over has Alzheimer’s or dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association—that’s 6.9 million people. Knowing how to communicate with someone who has dementia can be challenging, but it is essential to approach these interactions with patience, empathy, and understanding. 

The following below includes more details about cognitive memory loss in seniors and some practical tips and ideas to help you effectively communicate with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s or other dementia.

The Reality of Memory in Dementia Patients

People have four types of memory, according to the Alzheimer’s Society: episodic memory, prospective memory, semantic memory, and working memory.

• Episodic memory: This type of memory recalls past events, recent, or distant. These memories can include emotions or feelings connected to those memories.
• Prospective memory: This is used to remember appointments, dates, or events scheduled sometime in the future. 
• Semantic memory: This includes remembering facts or words. It is also used to recognize faces or objects.
• Working memory: This stores information for short periods of time. These memories are either lost shortly thereafter or moved over into longer-term memory.

All forms of memory can be affected by dementia, but many complaints center on difficulties with episodic memories. This loss of memory can make communicating with someone who has dementia difficult, but there are strategies that can help:

1. Maintain a Calm Environment

Creating a conducive environment is crucial for effective communication with someone who has Alzheimer’s.

Choose a quiet place to talk, free from noise and distractions, to help the person focus better on the conversation. Speak in a calm, gentle voice to avoid causing anxiety or agitation.

2. Be Patient and Supportive

Patience and support are key when communicating with someone with Alzheimer’s.

Allow the person ample time to process information and respond, aware that rushing them can lead to frustration. Frequently provide comfort and reassurance, letting them know they are safe and valued.

3. Simplify Your Communication

Clear and simple communication helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps the conversation flowing smoothly.

Keep your sentences short and straightforward. Complex sentences can be confusing, so stick to one question and wait for a response before asking another. This keeps loved ones from being overwhelmed by multiple questions. 

4. Non-Verbal Cues Are Important

Non-verbal communication plays a crucial role when talking to someone with Alzheimer’s. It can often convey more meaning than words alone.

Combine your words with gestures, facial expressions, and body language to help convey your message. Maintain eye contact, which shows that you are engaged and attentive, which can help to build trust.

5. Be Respectful and Empathetic

Respect and empathy are fundamental when interacting with someone with Alzheimer’s. Treating them with dignity can significantly impact their well-being and self-esteem.

If they make a mistake or become confused, avoid correcting them harshly. Instead, gently guide the conversation. Validate their feelings and experiences, even if they seem irrational or based on misremembered facts.

6. Encourage Reminiscence

Talking about the past can be comforting and easier for someone with Alzheimer’s, as long-term memories often remain accessible longer than short-term memories.

Discussing memories from their distant past can be comforting and easier for them to recall than recent events. Sharing photos and familiar objects can stimulate conversation and memory.

7. Adapt to Their Abilities

Understanding and adapting to the person’s current abilities can help create more successful and less frustrating interactions.

Avoid demanding more than they can handle. Involve them in simple, meaningful activities to promote engagement and a sense of accomplishment.

8. Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement can boost confidence and reinforce desired behaviors and responses.

Praise their efforts to communicate, no matter how small. Acknowledge and celebrate moments of clarity and successful interaction.

9. Stay Consistent

Consistency in your approach can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which is comforting for someone with Alzheimer’s.

Maintain a regular routine in conversations to provide a sense of stability and predictability. Regular interactions with familiar people can make communication easier and more comfortable.

10. Educate Yourself

Understanding Alzheimer’s disease and its progression can help you better support and communicate with someone affected by it.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to support groups or professionals for advice and support in managing your interactions.

What Not to Say to Someone With Dementia

Just as there are things you should do to communicate with dementia patients, there are steps you shouldn’t take. Here are a few don’ts, from the Alzheimer’s Society:

• Don’t argue. Since they aren’t processing information well because of their dementia, you likely can’t reason with some people with cognitive challenges. Also, you can make them angry, and some dementia patients can be prone to violence.
• Don’t ask if they remember something. Memory is very difficult to begin with, so it could frustrate or embarrass them. Prompt them instead of asking them to remember.
• Don’t bring up difficult subjects. The death of a spouse or a friend can still be an emotional subject. Also, avoid such divisive subjects as politics.
• Don’t complete their sentences. Let them finish their thought and communicate it without losing your own patience.
• Don’t ignore the person. Give them a chance to answer before turning to family or friends for answers. Don’t talk about the person as if they weren’t there.
• Don’t interrogate. Ask questions, share memories, but don’t turn the conversation into question after question. This may feel overwhelming or make it difficult to communicate.
• Don’t patronize them. People with cognitive challenges need to be treated with respect and patience but not treated as a child.
• Don’t raise your voice or speak sharply. Hearing issues may be at play here too, but yelling won’t help the conversation.
• Don’t tell them they’re wrong. Correcting someone about their memories or other facts can be embarrassing and can shut off communication.
• Don’t use metaphors or slang. Complicated mental images or unfamiliar words may confuse them.

Find Comfort and Support at a Senior Lifestyle Community

Senior Lifestyle communities offer an award-winning Memory Care program, Embrace, for those who need assistance as they work through cognitive challenges, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The Embrace program provides programs that are purposeful, familiar, and comforting, which enhances the quality of the individual’s daily routine. 

Memory Care communities are designed to be comfortable, safe, and secure for our residents. Find out more about Senior Lifestyle or schedule a visit today.