How to Interact With Alzheimer's Patients

If a friend or loved one develops Alzheimer's disease, it can become difficult to interact with them, but a number of ways exist for you to encourage a patient to express their feelings and thoughts. Since Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease it becomes worse over time, meaning that the patient will have increasing memory loss and may struggle to communicate. During the early stages of the illness, the patient may show signs of short-term memory loss, while in later stages of Alzheimer's, the patient may forget the names and faces of people.

Instructions

• 1

  Approach an Alzheimer's patient from the front and make eye contact with them, recommends the Alzheimer's Association. Address the individual by name to get his attention; introduce yourself by name even if you have known the patient for a long time. If the patient does not remember who you are, tell them who you are to help remind them.

• 2

  Use clear, literal phrases when talking to the Alzheimer's patient, such as, "Come here. Your bath is ready," rather that using colloquial expressions like, "hop in the bath." The Alzheimer's Association recommends that you use simple language and remember to talk slowly and clearly. When giving instructions or asking questions, make only one statement or ask one question at a time so as not to overwhelm the patient. Avoid telling long or complicated stories or logical explanations. Use a calm and pleasant tone while speaking.

• 3

  Listen and be patient as you wait for a reply from the Alzheimer's patient. If the patient tries to speak, allow time for them to find the words. As Alz.org recommends, encourage and support the Alzheimer's patient by expressing positive facial expressions. If the patient is having trouble communicating, try to guess what they are trying to say. Encourage other forms of communication such as pointing to or touching an item of interest or writing words down.

• 4

  Avoid showing frustration in front of the Alzheimer's patient if the person is exhibiting upsetting behavior or inappropriate language. According to Alz.org, remind yourself that it is the disease, not the person, that is causing such outbursts and let it go.