If you live with the elderly or interact regularly with older people, you may know someone suffering from dementia. While dementia may start out barely noticeable, it certainly doesnβt stay that way. After a while, it can feel as though weβve completely lost who our loved ones used to be.
Though it can be scary for us, it is even more challenging for them. Thatβs why we want to make sure that when we communicate with those with dementia, we are making things as clear and reassuring for them as possible.
While dealing with dementia sufferers can be confusing, it doesnβt have to be terrible. It can be rewarding to learn how to communicate with your affected loved ones and help ease their loneliness.
Why Is It Harder to Communicate With Dementia Patients?
There are some obvious answers to why it can be hard to communicate with your loved ones with dementia. Sometimes, they may be confused about facts, times, or even what they have been doing. However, there can be difficulties on a more basic level as well.
The Mayo Clinic and the Alzheimerβs Society list some common issues that people with dementia may have in communicating:
- Difficulty remembering words
- Replacing words with gibberish
- Difficulty keeping track of their speech
- Repeating themselves
- Cursing
- Jumbling phases
- Describing things rather than using the word
- Creating their own words for things
- Speaking less
- Difficulty understanding
Some of these communication issues may be new information for you, and thatβs alright. There are so many health concerns that it can be hard to stay up to date on all the health information no matter how much you would like to.
Thatβs why subscribing to my newsletter is so useful! Here, you can get timely and well-researched information on dementia as well as other health topics such as gut health, mental health, and general wellness.
How to Communicate With Your Loved Ones With Dementia β And the Benefits
While having a loved one with dementia will require some changes to how you communicate with them, it doesnβt have to be negative. In fact, for every tip I give on improving your interaction with a dementia patient, there is a joyful experience awaiting you.
Listen to Communicate
Often, it can take dementia patients time to gather their thoughts or find the word theyβre looking for. They may find the word after a while or they may not. When we say it’s important to listen, the first step of communicating is to patiently do so.
Take the time to actively listen to what your loved one with dementia is saying. Sometimes, the contextual clues from the rest of the sentence will help you understand what they are saying, even if they miss or change a word. [1]
Benefit:
For many of us, our parts in a conversation are divided into βtalkingβ and βwaiting for our turn to talk.β Weβve all talked to a friend or family member and watched them just nod along without really listening. The kind of active listening we need to communicate with someone with dementia requires us to really focus on what the person is saying. This lets us have a much more meaningful conversation.
Watch Your Body Language
Experts at the Mayo Clinic and the Alzheimerβs Society say that body language is one of the most important tools to communicate effectively with those suffering from dementia. They may find it easier to pick up on non-verbal cues.
Experts recommend that you keep your body posture both open and relaxed, facing the person with dementia directly. Also, when possible, use gestures to help illustrate your speech β for example, by pointing to an object of discussion.
On the other hand, observing their body language can give you clues about their state of mind. When observing the body language of a loved one with dementia, look for indicators of discomfort, such as tensing, fidgeting, or becoming agitated. [1, 2]
Benefit:
Conventional wisdom states that only 7% of what you communicate in any conversation is words. 55% is being communicated by your body. [3]
When you are being conscientious about your own body language, you can develop a better relationship with your resting body. How do you sit when talking to someone? What is the expression on your face? Sometimes, we can be giving out negative vibes when we try to communicate, even if itβs unintentional.
Furthermore, learning to acutely focus on your loved one with dementia can help you learn how to read people in other situations. While someone with dementia may be more likely to unguardedly communicate with their body, learning what to look for is a valuable skill in your own day-to-day interactions.
Remove All Distractions
Outside factors like radio, TV, music, or other media can make it hard to communicate with someone with dementia. Not only will they be distracted by them, but it also makes it harder for you to hear and give your full focus to the person with dementia. Turn them off or go to a quiet place for your conversation. [1, 2, 4]
Benefit:
Unfortunately, multitasking in our society has become very commonplace. How many times have you sent a quick text during coffee with your friend or browsed the web while on the phone with your mother-in-law?
The necessity of paying full attention to someone with dementia is undeniable. They are already struggling to communicate, so being as invested and at the moment as possible allows you to be there for them. However, being fully present when we communicate with people without dementia is just as important.
A little empathy goes a long way when communicating with someone with dementia. Try it, and youβll notice a difference.
My Personal RX:
To maintain natural ways to prevent dementia and support brain health, the doctor recommends the following:
- Stay mentally active: Engage in activities that stimulate the brain, such as puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or playing memory games.
- Physical exercise: Regular physical activity is essential for brain health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Healthy diet: Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Consider following a Mediterranean or DASH diet, which has shown to benefit brain health.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can have negative effects on brain health. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.
- Social engagement: Staying socially active and connected can help maintain cognitive function. Encourage regular interactions with friends, family, and community.
Additionally, I recommend downloading a free copy of my step-by-step 50-page comprehensive protocol guide to living a healthier lifestyle. This guide can provide valuable insights and practical tips for overall well-being.
Furthermore, taking my Men and Women’s Core Essentials Supplements daily is recommended to boost brain health, cognitive function, and memory. These supplements may contain essential nutrients that support brain function, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins.
By incorporating these recommendations into your daily routine, you can take proactive steps towards maintaining brain health and reducing the risk of dementia. Remember that consistency is key, and small lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in the long run.
Learn More About Dementia
With no medical knowledge, dealing with health-related issues can be stressful. There are so many sources out there with conflicting information that you can get easily confused.
That’s why subscribing to my newsletter can help you. Cut through the noise by focusing on the curated mental health content in my newsletter that you know has been approved by a real professional.
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