Previously we have given some Dos and Don'ts for talking to someone with Alzheimer's. Here are some further tips that may help you communicate better with someone who has difficulty in understanding you, or in expressing themselves in reply.

Previously we gave some Dos and Don'ts for talking to someone with Alzheimer's. Here are some further tips that may help you communicate more effectively with someone who has difficulty in understanding you, or in expressing themselves in reply.

• Take your time, and look for a response to your voice. The person you are trying to communicate with may have a hearing disability, in addition to difficulty in understanding you and formulating a reply.
• Wear a friendly facial expression, and speak slowly and clearly, using short, simple words.
• When the person replies, show that you are listening and trying to understand.
• Give plenty of encouragement and reassurance - touching or hugging may help.
• Allow time for the reply - don't interrupt; argue or criticize. If the person seems stuck for a word, you can offer a guess, but you shouldn't be too eager - it may merely add to the existing frustration.
• If you aren't quite sure you understood what was said, repeat it back and ask if you've got it right.
• Try to understand the person's feelings and emotions, which may be hidden behind the words. You can ask whether the person is feeling angry or frustrated about a particular situation.
• Make allowances for digressions - reminiscences, backtracking, repetitions, etc. However, if necessary, prompt the person gently, so they can get back on track.
• Choose a quiet place for your discussion, so that both of you are free from interruptions and distractions. However, don't necessarily move to a strange environment - the person may want to point or gesture, if at a loss for words.

Taken together, our two lists of hints for talking to someone with Alzheimer's disease can be reduced to one paramount skill - be a good listener! Developing this skill requires time and patience, but you will find it can be used very effectively in dealing with all sorts of people, not just those with dementia.

Links

• How To Talk To Someone With Alzheimer's
• As verbal skills dwindle, does talking help?
• Reading to the elderly

The 36-Hour Day: A Guide to Caring for Persons With Alzheimer's Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses and Memory Loss in Later Life.