Alzheimer’s disease impacts an individuals’ ability to communicate with others, but certainly not the need for or desire for connection and conversation. Research shows that the desire to connect with others, to speak with others and communicate is high indicator for quality of life, as described by individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
Communication with individuals with individuals with Alzheimer’s may take additional time and there are a number of suggestions to make the exchange easier for both individuals:
• Make note of your own body language and posture, keep good eye contact and be at eye level with the individual to set the tone for the exchange
• Let the individual know you are listening and trying to understand what is being communicated
• Remove outside distractions: television, radio, or other extra sensory input
• Try guessing the correct word if an individual with the disease has difficulty with word-finding
• Acknowledge that gestures can also be used to communicate, begin using them yourself
• Focus on the emotion and message being expressed, respond to that if you are not able to understand the words.
• When you are speaking, use short and simple words and sentences. Speak slowly and clearly, repeat what you have said multiple times as needed.
• Wait for a response from the individual, it may take extra time to process what has been said.
• Use a smile and laughter if you are having a difficult time with communication and try again later
