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continued:

Alzheimer's: Tips for effective communication

What you can do to help

Despite the challenges, you can communicate effectively with a loved one who has Alzheimer's. Consider these tips:

  • Speak clearly. Introduce yourself. Speak in a clear, straightforward manner.
  • Show respect. Avoid secondary baby talk and diminutive phrases, such as "good girl." Don't assume that your loved one can't understand you, and don't talk about your loved one as though he or she weren't there.
  • Show interest. Maintain eye contact, and stay near your loved one so that he or she will know that you're listening and trying to understand.
  • Avoid distractions. Communication may be difficult — if not impossible — against a background of competing sights and sounds.
  • Keep it simple. Use short sentences and plain words. Ask yes-no questions, and only one question at a time. Break down tasks or requests into single steps.
  • Don't interrupt. It may take several minutes for your loved one to respond. Avoid criticizing, hurrying and correcting.
  • Use visual cues. Sometimes gestures or other visual cues promote better understanding than words alone. Rather than simply asking if your loved one needs to use the bathroom, for example, take him or her to the toilet and point to it.
  • Don't argue. Your loved one's reasoning and judgment will decline over time. To spare anger and agitation, don't argue with your loved one.
  • Stay calm. Even when you're frustrated, keep your voice gentle. Your nonverbal cues, including the tone of your voice, may send a clearer message than what you actually say.

Communicating with your loved one may be challenging, especially as the disease progresses. Remember, however, your loved one isn't acting this way on purpose. Don't take it personally. Use patience and understanding to help your loved one feel safe and secure.

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References
  1. Communication: Best ways to interact with the person with dementia. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_communication.pdf. Accessed Feb. 11, 2010.
  2. Caregiver guide. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/caregiverguide.htm. Accessed Feb. 11, 2010.
  3. Williams KN, et al. Elderspeak communication: Impact on dementia care. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias. 2009;24:11.
  4. Small JA, et al. Effectiveness of communication strategies used by caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease during activities of daily living. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. 2003;46:353.
  5. Miller CA. Communication difficulties in hospitalized older adults with dementia: Try these techniques to make communicating with patients easier and more effective. American Journal of Nursing. 2008;108:58.
  6. Communicating with an Alzheimer's patient. Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation. http://www.alzinfo.org/alzheimers-treatment-facts-communicating.asp. Accessed Feb. 22, 2010.
AZ00004 June 10, 2010

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