Alzheimer's is a fatal disease that affects intellectual and memory functions in the brain. The disease is a form of dementia and, according to the Alzheimer's Association, is the seventh leading cause of death. Some 5.3 million Americans currently are diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The disease severely impairs cognitive and memory functions, including communication. Learn five ways to communicate better with an Alzheimer's patient.
Step 1
Avoid distractions when speaking to someone with Alzheimer's. Turn radios and televisions off. When in a larger group, always make eye contact with the person. Make sure the patient can visibly see your entire face and lips during a conversation.
Step 2
Directly use the patient's name when communicating. Remind the person of who you are as well. The patient may not recall caregivers, even if she is the same caregiver on a daily basis. Wearing name tags for both patients and caregivers will allow the patients to recognize staff members and other patients.
Step 3
Never speak to the Alzheimer's patient as a child. A person with Alzheimer's should never be belittled with "baby talk." Remember they are adults who have lived fulfilling lives. Do not speak about the person when he is standing next you as this is also demeaning and belittling. A person may seem not to understand what is going on; however, cognitive functions fluctuate on a daily basis for some patients.
Step 4
Use other communication methods besides verbal. Touching is a great sense of communication. Holding a person's hand or giving a hug can comfort an Alzheimer's patient who has increased anxiety. Use cue cards that have different words on them such as "dinner time" and "let's take a walk." Write messages on a dry erase board for a patient to read. Allow the patient to create messages as well. Many times, reading is one of the last communication methods to be removed from memory--even after speech is no longer possible.
Step 5
Repeat the message. Alzheimer's patients will process verbal messages at a much slower rate. Messages may have to be repeated several times in a conversation. Caregivers should remain patient when doing so. Remember to use a low tone of voice; raising the volume of one's voice does not mean a person will understand the message better. Speak slowly in simple short sentences.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to the local Alzheimer's Association as well as Alzheimer support groups for additional communication ideas. Each patient will have methods that work and do not work.
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