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How to Talk to Dementia and Alzheimer's Patients

Talking with a family member or loved one who suffers from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be a difficult, trying experience. Most sufferers have good and bad days, and on the bad days conversation may be particularly difficult.

There are some things you can do to make communication easier and keep from upsetting someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s when you’re trying to talk to them. Knowing how to talk to a dementia or Alzheimer’s sufferer properly can also make the situation less stressful and frustrating for you.

  1. Pick the Right Environment

    • Picking the right environment to talk to a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is of utmost importance. Dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers can become upset, anxious or confused when exposed to new situations, loud noises and large groups of people, according to the Mayo Clinic. Choose a quiet, familiar location like the sufferer’s home to talk to to them about their dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

    Take It Slow

    • Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients who are pushed to remember information that they have difficulty recalling, or are asked to recall information quickly, can become anxious quickly, according to the Mayo Clinic. When dementia and Alzheimer’s patients become anxious or upset their ability to think clearly and remember information declines even more. Take your time when talking with an Alzheimer’s or dementia sufferer. If you need to get personal information from them that they can’t remember, don’t push them. You can ask again the next time you see them if necessary. Speak clearly and slowly, and use simple, common words.

    Don’t Remind Them of Their Disease

    • It used to be normal for loved ones and caregivers to remind dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers that they had a disease that affected their memory in order to correct delusional behavior. This practice is no longer recommended. Instead of telling the person that he is suffering from a disease, try to redirect the situation and conversation. For example, if a loved one is saying that they can’t find their car keys, even though they don’t have a car or car keys, don’t remind them of that fact immediately. Instead, try saying you’ll help them find their car keys after you sit down and talk for a few minutes or after you have lunch.

    Ask Direct Questions

    • Sometimes talking to a dementia or Alzheimer’s sufferer can be confusing, and it can be hard to get to the bottom of what a person is saying. Asking direct questions to try to figure out the person’s motivation and understanding can help, especially if you’re talking to an individual who commonly experiences delusions or hallucinations.

    Stay Calm

    • Talking to someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be frustrating, especially if you’re dealing with a parent or loved one that you’re used to talking to. Frustration is natural, but you need to remain calm. Dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers can pick up on tone and body language. Using a negative tone or closed body language can make the person feel upset or anxious.

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