Communication Techniques & Alzheimer's
- Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease of the brain that leads to damage in the brain cells. This damage causes changes in memory, judgment and language. Because of these changes, communication can be difficult. But with an understanding of communication strategies, you, the caregiver, can have the best encounter possible. The communication ability of a person with Alzheimer's disease gets worse as the disease progresses.
- People with Alzheimer's may have difficulty in finding the correct word to use when they are trying to tell you something. Their speech may be fluent but make no sense. Those with Alzheimer's disease also may not be able to comprehend what you are trying to tell them.
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, its victims lose their reading and writing ability, and they may not understand the proper social practices of conversation so they cut off someone when they are speaking to them or do not respond when they are spoken to. - Make sure you use short simple sentences. Discuss only one idea at a time. Always allow plenty of time for the person with Alzheimer's disease to answer you. As the disease progresses, it takes longer to process what you are saying. You should identify people you are talking about by using their name and how they are related to the person with Alzheimer's disease. Do not ever make them guess. Never ask "Do you remember?" Instead tell them the necessary information.
Using body language is a very good communication technique when you are conversing with those who have Alzheimer's disease. It may be necessary to use some facial expressions or hand gestures so that they can comprehend what you are trying to say. You may have to point to objects. In order for people with Alzheimer's disease to stay focused, you may want to hold their hand or give them another object to hold. - No communication technique will work for a person with Alzheimer's disease without the correct environment. Make sure competing noises, such as music, radio or TV, are turned off. Do not move around when you talk to someone with Alzheimer's disease. Try to have a regular routine. This makes things less confusing and helps you communicate with the person. Also important is making sure everyone involved with the person who has Alzheimer's disease has the same style of communication. If you are repeating something because he did not understand you, say it in the same way or break it down even further.