This document discusses strategies for communicating with individuals who have Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. It explains that as the disease progresses, people with dementia experience changes in their ability to communicate verbally and their primary methods of communication. In the early stages, it is important to speak directly to the individual, keep sentences clear and allow time for responses. In the middle stages, it recommends using short sentences, speaking slowly, minimizing distractions and communicating through visual cues. For the late stages, the document notes that communication is reduced but sensory connections like touch and music can still be meaningful.

1. RESPONDING POSITIVELY TO
ALZHEIMER’S BEHAVIORS
CLAIRE HENRY, M.ED.,CDP
Director of The Lourdes Center for Memory
Care
DOCTORAL CANDIDATE
Communication & Dementia

2. Being with Persons with Dementia
Means:
 Understanding the individuals perspective and
validating.
 Understanding their reality.
 Recognizing them as whole & unique individuals.
 Building on their strengths and maintaining
function.
 Connecting with them through validation
therapies.

3. Course Objectives
 Explain why persons with dementia have unique
communication needs.
 Identify strategies for communicating with
persons with dementia.
 Recognize the impact of your interactions with
persons with dementia.
 Understand how to look for meaning in the verbal
& nonverbal communication of persons with
dementia.

4. How does communication affect the
dementia individual?
 During the early stages of disease people with
dementia may have language problems
resembling forgetting words or the use of wrong
words, creating their own “language”.
 Individuals with dementia may lose the ability to
read.
 The ability to process language, as well as form
speech may be lost.
 Individuals with dementia will understand facial
expressions, tone of voice, and emotion.

5. Understanding the Brain

6. Communication changes throughout
the disease
 Early stage(Mild)
 Convey thoughts and feelings through language.
 Able to make decisions about future care.
 May misinterpret what others say.
 Middle stage (Moderate)
 Use basic words and sentences.
 Rely more on tone of voice, facial expression and
body language.
 Continue to need emotional connection and
meaningful activity.

7. Communication changes throughout
the disease.
 Late stage (Severe)
 May still respond to familiar words, phrases or
songs
 Use body language and the five senses to
connect.

8. Communication in the early stage
 To connect
 Ask directly how to assist with communication
 Keep sentences clear and straightforward.
 Leave plenty of time for conversations.
 Include the person in conversation that affect him
or her, include planning for the future.

9. Communication in the early stage
 Keep in mind
 Avoid making assumptions
 Speak directly to the person.
 Communicate in the way that is most comfortable
for the person. Options include phone, email, and
in person.
 Use humor.
 Be honest, laugh together and stay connected
with each other.

10. Communication in the middle
stage
 Changes you may observe:
 Increase difficulty retrieving the right words
 Using familiar words repeatedly
 Creating own language to express self.
 Easily losing focus while conversing
 Decline in expressive speech.
 Communicating through behavior symptoms.

11. Communication in the middle
stage
 Provide gentle approach:
 Provide frontal approach
 Approach at eye level.
 Provide positive approach, gently redirect.
 Monitor tone of voice when approaching.
 Allow time to respond.

13. Communication in the middle
stage
 When communicating…
 Use short sentences.
 Speak slowly and clearly, one question at a
time.
 Keep distractions to a minimum.
 Become the family members memory.

14. Communication in the middle
stage
 When communicating:
 Communicate through visual cues
 Avoid quick movement
 Communicate through writing
 Assist with answers
 Create positive emotions
 Avoid asking questions that require memory.

15. Communication in the late stage.
 Changes to note:
 Communication is reduced to a few words or
sounds.
 Listen for expressions of pain.
 Create an atmosphere of reassurance.
 When communicating use all five senses.
 Remember the individual retains a sense of self
despite the losses associated with the disease.
 Approach the individual with a soothing and
calming approach.

17. References
 “Hand in Hand with Person-Centered Dementia
Care”.,(2013) Medicare Learning Networks.
 “Tips for Communication” (2016) Alzheimer’s
Association., Retrieved from Alz.org/national
documentaries.
 “Generations”.,(2013) Journal of the American
Society on Aging., Retrieved from:
Http://www.asa.aging/person-centered-care-
people-dementia-theoretical-and-concept.