Problems with speech to memory loss make it difficult for Alzheimer's patients to communicate with others. If you follow these tips, you will make the conversation easier for people with dementia.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. Although it is often referred to as a disease of old age, younger people can also be affected. The sick people increasingly forget things. It often starts harmlessly, the car key is misplaced, for example. But in the course there is an increased reduction in mental abilities, those affected become more and more forgetful. In advanced stages, dementia patients lose skills they acquired a long time ago. Even one's own children or grandchildren are no longer recognized.
"Alzheimer's disease not only impairs memory, but also changes the perception, behavior and experience of sufferers. People with Alzheimer's live in a different reality, which often makes contact difficult," informs the Alzheimer's Research Initiative in a press release. The association gives relatives tips on how to communicate properly with an Alzheimer's patient.
Seven rules for talking to Alzheimer's patients
The more advanced dementia is, the more difficult it is for those affected to communicate with others. But this is enormously important in order to support those affected as much as possible and thus increase their quality of life.
On an emotional level, dementia patients can be reached even in the advanced course of the disease. © Imago
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The Alzheimer's Research Initiative association explains which rules are important when talking to dementia patients:
- Easy to address: Speaking slowly and clearly increases the understanding of the other person. It is also important that you avoid complicated nested sentences and instead formulate short sentences.
- Repeat important information: Because Alzheimer's is sometimes associated with serious memory problems, important information should always be shared with the caregiver of the sick person. The patient himself is helped by the frequent repetition of the important information.
- Eye-catching body language: Talking with your hands and feet – a common description of using all conceivable means to gain understanding. For dementia patients, a distinctive body language and also an emphasized facial expression are helpful in order to follow what is said as best as possible.
- Maintain eye contact: Look directly into the eyes of the person concerned. This "provides support and security and, at the end of the disease, is often the only way to relate to each other besides touch," according to the Alzheimer's Research Initiative.
- Avoid improvements: These cause uncertainty or even anger for the other person.
- Asking questions correctly: Open-ended questions often overwhelm patients. Therefore, it makes sense to think about questions that the interlocutor can answer with "yes" or "no". Questions with few possible answers also make communication easier.
- Awakening memories: Everything that happened a long time ago is often still remembered by dementia patients. Topics such as childhood and adolescence are therefore often a good way to give the interlocutor security. "On an emotional level, patients can be reached even in the advanced course of the disease. Through music, touch or looking at photos together, feelings can be aroused and contact can be maintained," says the press release of the Alzheimer's Research Initiative.
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This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, individual questions about clinical pictures may not be answered by our editors.