Communication

Communication is both body language and spoken language. Body language often ‘speaks’ much louder than spoken language.

As mentioned in the section on types of dementia, dementia affects both language comprehension and language skills. Generally, as the disease progresses, the person with dementia will observe your body language more and more.

Body Language

It is important to be aware of your body language so that you do not signal impatience and irritation. Of course, this can be difficult. If you become irritated, try to remember that the person with dementia is unwell and try to adjust your attitude. Where possible remove yourself from the situation until you feel better able to cope. If you don’t live with the person, it is important to be in the right frame of mind when you go to visit them. For those of you who live with the person who has dementia, it is important to have free-time where you can recharge.

Do one thing at a time

When someone has dementia, the ability to perform several tasks simultaneously becomes impaired. Therefore, each task must be completed before the next begins. For example, a well person would be able to cook, talk on the phone and write a shopping list at the same time. That would confuse someone with dementia.

Take your time

Not only does a task need to be completed before beginning a new one, but things also take longer to do. If you rush the task, they become confused and that causes things to take even longer.

Other good advice would be:

• Talk to the person with dementia, it helps to preserve the language function.
• Speak in relatively short sentences. The further the disease has progressed, the shorter the sentences.
• Speak to them directly, not in passing.
• Speak clearly and a little more slowly than usual.
• Its important to smile and speak in a friendly tone in spite of their mood
• If possible, avoid discussing facts.

                  Avoid saying: "if it was last week or the week before that..."

• Speak decisively, not figuratively. 

Avoid saying: "I think it is cold today" when you expect the demented person to put on their warm coat.

Rather say: "It is cold today, let's wear the warm coats".

Avoid saying: "Would you like to..." if it is not up for discussion.

Rather say: "Today we are going to..."