Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease affects numerous sections of the brain physiologically, and it especially impacts the brain in such a manner that people have difficulty acquiring new information. Short term memory is affected with dementia, however, you might find long term memory intact until the later stages of dementia.
They can recall their wedding anniversaries, the wars they participated in, and where they attended high school, yet they can’t recall their children’s visit from yesterday. That is because the condition damages the prefrontal cortex of the brain which is crucial for assisting us in learning new things.
The fact that memories from a long time ago are stored all through the brain explains why they are able to retain them.
Because long-term memories are likely encoded in numerous systems rather than just one or two, the disease must be well progressed until loved ones begin to lose those memories.
There are physical holes that form in the brain of somebody with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Several of the brain cells die in an Alzheimer’s brain, and it impacts every section of the brain.
In essence, the brain has two functions. The first is to figure out what’s going on as clearly as possible. Our brain likes to be in control in every scenario, and dear ones with impaired memory struggle with this: they want to be in charge, but they’re losing it. The brain’s second task is to secure us emotionally. Like every human, we too want to be welcomed, not shunned or frightened to speak up.
Families and caregivers face several obstacles while caring for someone with dementia. Dementia is a gradual brain impairment caused by ailments such as Alzheimer’s and related illnesses that makes it more difficult for individuals to recall things, think properly, interact with those around, or take better care of themselves.
Dementia can also affect a person’s mood and modify their personality and conduct. When caring for an individual with dementia, it’s common to experience disturbing behavior problems and communication challenges. This article offers some practical solutions for coping with these issues.
Strengthening your skills in communication can make caring less stressful for you and will certainly enhance the effectiveness of your bond.
Communication Tips to Talk with People Living with Dementia
Outlined below are some tips to help you effectively communicate with someone living with dementia:
1. Take Some Time to Ground Yourself
It might be distressing to see someone who has dementia. We can feel a vast spectrum of feelings, which can also influence our behavior.
Take a minute to focus on yourself before you begin speaking.
The individual you care for is still in there, no matter how bad their dementia is – and they will still care about you.
2. Create a Favorable Environment For Interaction
Your body language and attitude transmit your sentiments and thoughts more effectively than your words. Make a good first impression by communicating with your loved one in a kind and courteous manner. When appropriate, use expressions, manner of speech, and human contact to effectively deliver your message and demonstrate your love.
3. Remove Distractions
If there are distractions nearby, someone with dementia, like everyone else, may have difficulty communicating.
We are easily distracted by televisions, radios, and children running around. What we find merely annoying can be excruciating for those with dementia.
Make sure all gadgets are turned off or in silent mode to reduce distractions. Request that others leave the premises or engage in a peaceful activity.
4. Introduce Yourself
When somebody has dementia, it’s possible that they won’t recognize you right away.
So, introduce yourself and how you’re related in a kind manner. This might help them remember things and feel comfortable.
If they appear particularly perplexed, having someone else introduce you, such as an in-home caregiver, might help them feel more at ease.
5. Don’t Treat them Like a Child
Talk to them as you would with any other adult. Do not consider them babies. Have you ever noticed how people converse with babies? They may speak in a high-pitched tone and approach the baby’s face. Although this is acceptable for babies, it is inappropriate for adult communication. Treat the loved one with respect and a polite tone of speech, irrespective of how much they can or cannot comprehend.
6. Don’t Just Yell At Them
Because not everyone with dementia has hearing loss, employing a loud tone may make them feel as though you’re shouting at them. To begin a discussion with someone, use a clear, natural tone of voice.
You can raise your volume if the person doesn’t answer or if you notice they have difficulty in hearing. If one has a hearing impairment, speaking in a lower tone little lower register might also prove beneficial.
7. Gentle Touch
While some individuals may get uncomfortable if you enter their personal space, many people love a soft touch. It’s crucial to understand how someone reacts to physical contact. As you converse with them, you could want to offer them a small pat on the back or hold their hand. A gentle touch is vital and maybe a powerful approach to show that you care.
8. Do Not Make Assumptions
It’s easy to complete people’s sentences or presume they don’t want to join in group interaction.
Refrain from doing this when you are communicating with your loved one. They deserve a voice in the activities they take part in, as well as the assurance that you are there for them.
Interrupting and isolating someone gives the message that you don’t think they’re capable of having a discussion or social interaction.
8. Listen Actively
Active listening is a type of communication that indicates to the other person that you are paying attention. People will sense that you really want to know more if you nod and answer in an affirming way.
However, for certain people or in some settings, some active listening abilities might be a little more disruptive than useful.
Using little phrases like “oh yeah” as support, for example, may inflict more damage than good.
Take a bit of time to try out various alternatives and check what works best in your case. Consider enlisting the help of your older adult’s caregiver if they are receiving care.
9. Get to Their Level of Understanding
Instead of standing upright and staring down at someone who is seated, get on their level and make eye contact. This may make you physically uncomfortable, but it will help you have a more pleasant and courteous conversation.
10. Give Them Choices
When you are provided with the opportunity to choose from two options, communicating becomes significantly easier.
Offer alternatives instead of asking what someone wants for lunch. “Would you prefer chicken or vegetables for lunch?” you may ask, for example.
Rather than having far more ideas and feeling overwhelmed, your older adult may concentrate on picking between two potential options.
In a similar way, asking yes/no questions works. “Would you want some juice?” rather than just asking what one wants to drink.
11. Reassure Them Affectionately
Dementia patients are often perplexed, apprehensive, and self-conscious. Furthermore, they are inclined to mix up reality and recall events that never occurred. Avoid trying to tell them that they are wrong. Focus your attention on the sentiments they’re expressing (which are genuine).
Comfort, support, and reassure them with both physical and verbal affection. When everything else fails, holding hands, touching, embracing, and praising will be enough to encourage them to respond.
12. Laughter Can Be a Blessing
Most people find laughter to be therapeutic. It has, however, been proved to be useful to those suffering from memory loss. According to one research, cracking jokes to a loved one works in the same manner as taking medicine to reduce stress does. Laughter may also help you let go of the stress of being a caregiver for a loved one.
When possible, use humor, but not at the cost of the other person. People with dementia usually retain their social abilities and are delighted to laugh with you.
Takeaway
People with dementia can benefit from good communication. It aids them in maintaining their sense of self, connections, and overall quality of life. As dementia progresses, it will become increasingly difficult to understand the needs, wishes, and feelings of the people you care for. There are, however, a variety of techniques to assist someone in communicating with you.
Whether or not the individual with whom you’re communicating has dementia, enriching your conversation with compassion and sincere affection will improve your chances of success.
Family members or caregivers may become more attentive to a patient’s body language. Someone with dementia is likely to cease conversing, withdraw from everyday activities, repeat queries or phrases, or lose their appetite. There are things to engage them in if they do, such as art or music therapy, pet therapy, sketching, or other crafts.
The idea is to work with them carefully throughout this time of transformation. It can be a very trying time for the caregivers. Consider how a person living with dementia must feel.
Because they no longer live in our world, we must ideally be in theirs. Their reality is genuine, and telling them otherwise would very possibly result in misery.
Talking to a loved one who has dementia can be difficult, but these tactics can assist caregivers, whether professionals or family members, deal with the issues and staying in touch.
References
- https://training.mmlearn.org/blog/how-to-talk-to-someone-with-dementia-alzheimers-or-memory-loss
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-talk-to-someone-with-dementia-97963
- https://www.cdss.ca.gov/agedblinddisabled/res/VPTC2/12%20Working%20With%20Consumers%20with%20Disabilities/Ten_Tips_Communicating_Dementia.pdf
