What is Communication?
Communication is the exchange of information, sharing of ideas, expression of emotions, and sending and receiving of messages. It's a verbal or nonverbal way of relating to another, a representation of who we are as human beings, and a reflection of feelings and thoughts through words, attitude, facial expressions, tone of voice, and/or body language.
How Alzheimer's Affects Communication
Although each person is unique, Alzheimer's creates distinct challenges in regard to how people express themselves and understand what is being communicated to them. As you care for your loved one, you may recognize some of the following changes:
- Difficulty finding the correct words
- Creating new words for ones that are forgotten
- Repeating or overusing a word or phrase
- Trouble organizing words into logical sentences
- Cursing or using other offensive language
- Diminished speech
These changes develop gradually; if your relative experiences sudden, drastic changes in communication patterns, they are more likely due to another medical condition. In these cases, your physician should be notified immediately.
How to Help Your Loved One Communicate
A big part of communicating is being an excellent listener. You must be a more active listener when communicating with your loved one because he may need assistance expressing his thoughts. Be sure to:
- Show patience. Your relative can sense when you're impatient or agitated, and this only increases her own frustration.
- Provide reassurance. If your loved one is having trouble communicating, tell him that it's fine and encourage him to keep trying to put his thoughts into words.
- Focus on the positive. Criticizing or correcting is nonproductive and may be harmful. Instead, focus on what your loved one has said and try to find meaning in her message.
- Agree instead of argue. If you don't agree with -- or are offended by -- a statement made by your loved one, just let it go.
- Offer alternatives. If your relative is really having difficulty finding the right words, it's OK to offer a guess as long as he appears to want some help.
- Concentrate on feelings. Although the content of a message may be hard to understand, it's often possible to uncover the feelings behind it by observing tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, and body language.
- Reduce distractions. It's harder for people with Alzheimer's to communicate in chaotic environments, so try to talk in a quiet, calm place.
How to Communicate to Your Loved One
While being a good listener is vital to communication, it's also important to clearly convey your own ideas and information. Regardless of how difficult communication becomes, people at all stages of Alzheimer's benefit -- and have the right to -- frequent communication from those who care for them. When speaking to your loved one, try to:
- Set yourself up for success. Approaching your relative from the front will eliminate the possibility of startling her and getting off to a rocky start.
- Be aware of tone and body language. Speaking clearly in a relaxed tone of voice will put your loved one at ease. Friendly gestures will also foster positive interactions.
- Keep it simple. Difficult words or long sentences may overwhelm someone with Alzheimer's.
- Wait for a response. It might take longer for your loved one to respond, so be patient and give him time.
- Be clear. Avoid phrases that can be interpreted literally, such as “break a leg” or “chew the fat,” which might be confusing.
- Focus on the key word or idea. Emphasize the most important word in your message either verbally or nonverbally (pointing).
- Account for hearing or vision problems. Make sure that your loved one is wearing a working hearing aid and/or clean glasses, if prescribed.
Most importantly, treat your loved one with dignity and respect, regardless of how difficult communication becomes. If your relative appears uninterested in communicating, don't assume that relating is no longer necessary or possible. It could be that the disease has simply impeded your loved one's ability to show a desire to communicate. That's why it's crucial to always strive for meaningful communication with your loved one.
Sources:
Communication: Best ways to interact with the person with dementia. Alzheimer’s Association. 2005. http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_communication.pdf
Mace, N. L., & Rabins, P. V. 2006 The 36-hour day: A family guide to caring for persons with Alzheimer’s disease, related dementing illnesses, and memory loss in later life. New York: Warner Books.
Ostuni, E., & Santo Pietro, M. J. 1986 Getting through: Communicating when someone you care for has Alzheimer’s disease. Princeton Junction, NJ: The Speech Bin.
