A person with Alzheimer’s disease may have difficulty
communicating. He or she may struggle to find the right words to express himself
or herself, or may forget the meaning of words and phrases. The person also may
rely on gestures, especially as his or her verbal skills decline.
There are several strategies you can use to enhance communication with your
loved one with Alzheimer’s disease:
- Gain attention — Gain the listener’s attention before
you begin talking. Approach the person from the front and
call him or her by name.
- Maintain eye contact — Visual communication is very
important. Facial expressions and body language add vital information to the
communication. For example, you are able to "see" a person’s
anger, frustration, excitement, or lack of comprehension by watching the
expression on his or her face.
- Be attentive — Show that you are listening and trying to
understand what is being said. Use a gentle and relaxed tone of voice, as well
as friendly facial expressions.
- Hands away — When talking, try to keep your hands away
from your face. Also, avoid mumbling or talking with food in your mouth. If
you smoke, don’t talk with a cigarette between your lips.
- Speak naturally — Speak distinctly, but don’t shout.
Speak at a normal rate, not too fast or too slow. Use pauses to give the
person time to process what you’re saying. Use short, simple, and familiar
words.
- Keep it simple — Give one-step directions. Ask only one
question at a time. Identify people and things by name, avoiding pronouns.
- Be positive — Instead of saying, "Don’t do
that," say, "Let’s try this."
- Rephrase rather than repeat — If the listener has
difficulty understanding what you’re saying, find a different way of saying
it. If he or she didn’t understand the words the first time, it is unlikely
he or she will understand them a second time.
- Adapt to your listener — Try to understand the words and
gestures your loved one is using to communicate. Adapt to his or her way of
communicating; don’t force your loved one to try to understand your way of
communicating.
- Reduce background noise — Try to reduce background
noise, such as from the TV or radio, when speaking. In addition to making it
harder to hear, the TV or radio can compete with you for the listener’s
attention.
- Be patient — Encourage the person to continue to express
his or her thoughts, even if he or she is having difficulty. Be careful not to
interrupt. Avoid criticizing, correcting, and arguing.
In addition, remember the importance of non-verbal communication. The
presence, touch, gestures, and attention of caregivers can help to communicate
acceptance, reassurance, and love to a person with Alzheimer’s disease. In all
cases, treat your loved one with dignity and respect. Don’t speak down to the
person or speak to others as if he or she is a child or isn’t present.
References
Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter: Day to Day Care:
Communicating
www.alznyc.org Accessed 7/15/2011
Alzheimer's Association. Living with Alzheimer's Disease: Daily care:
Communication.
www.alz.org Accessed 7/15/2011