Communication & Dementia

RESPONDING POSITIVELY TO ALZHEIMERS BEHAVIORSCLAIRE HENRY, M.ED.,CDPDirector of The Lourdes Center for Memory CareDOCTORAL CANDIDATE

Communication & Dementia

Being with Persons with Dementia Means:Understanding the individuals perspective and validating.Understanding their reality.Recognizing them as whole & unique individuals.Building on their strengths and maintaining function.Connecting with them through validation therapies.

Course ObjectivesExplain why persons with dementia have unique communication needs.Identify strategies for communicating with persons with dementia.Recognize the impact of your interactions with persons with dementia.Understand how to look for meaning in the verbal & nonverbal communication of persons with dementia.

How does communication affect the dementia individual?During the early stages of disease people with dementia may have language problems resembling forgetting words or the use of wrong words, creating their own language.Individuals with dementia may lose the ability to read.The ability to process language, as well as form speech may be lost.Individuals with dementia will understand facial expressions, tone of voice, and emotion.

Understanding the Brain

Communication changes throughout the diseaseEarly stage(Mild)Convey thoughts and feelings through language.Able to make decisions about future care.May misinterpret what others say.Middle stage (Moderate)Use basic words and sentences.Rely more on tone of voice, facial expression and body language.Continue to need emotional connection and meaningful activity.

Communication changes throughout the disease.Late stage (Severe)May still respond to familiar words, phrases or songsUse body language and the five senses to connect.

Communication in the early stageTo connectAsk directly how to assist with communicationKeep sentences clear and straightforward.Leave plenty of time for conversations.Include the person in conversation that affect him or her, include planning for the future.

Communication in the early stageKeep in mindAvoid making assumptionsSpeak directly to the person.Communicate in the way that is most comfortable for the person. Options include phone, email, and in person.Use humor.Be honest, laugh together and stay connected with each other.

Communication in the middle stageChanges you may observe:Increase difficulty retrieving the right wordsUsing familiar words repeatedlyCreating own language to express self.Easily losing focus while conversingDecline in expressive speech.Communicating through behavior symptoms.

Communication in the middle stageProvide gentle approach:Provide frontal approachApproach at eye level.Provide positive approach, gently redirect.Monitor tone of voice when approaching.Allow time to respond.

Communication in the middle stageWhen communicatingUse short sentences.Speak slowly and clearly, one question at a time.Keep distractions to a minimum.Become the family members memory.

Communication in the middle stageWhen communicating:Communicate through visual cuesAvoid quick movementCommunicate through writingAssist with answersCreate positive emotionsAvoid asking questions that require memory.

Communication in the late stage.Changes to note:Communication is reduced to a few words or sounds.Listen for expressions of pain.Create an atmosphere of reassurance.When communicating use all five senses.Remember the individual retains a sense of self despite the losses associated with the disease.Approach the individual with a soothing and calming approach.

ReferencesHand in Hand with Person-Centered Dementia Care.,(2013) Medicare Learning Networks.Tips for Communication (2016) Alzheimers Association., Retrieved from Alz.org/national documentaries.Generations.,(2013) Journal of the American Society on Aging., Retrieved from: Http://www.asa.aging/person-centered-care-people-dementia-theoretical-and-concept.