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Dementia Care Guide: Dementia and Conversation

Written by: Martin Winkler
First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 27 Feb 2012.

Abstract:

Dementia care guide: A list of things you should think of to successfully talk to a person who is suffering from dementia or alzheimers disease.

Question:

My father is an 86 year old man with dementia. We have big problems with establishing a good conversation because he gets angry and agitated. What can I do?

Answer:

LEARNING HOW TO TALK WITH A PERSON WHO HAS DEMENTIA

People with Dementia have communication and memory deficits. They might be disturbed by hallucinations or impaired by additional cognitive disturbances of a depressive syndrome. These people need special care and a calm and structured environment!

  • Identify yourself by name and call the person by name. Don't get frustrated if the person (even your mother or father) is not able to remember your name.

  • Keep eye contact and try to approach the person from the front. A gentle touch is very helpful!

  • Try to avoid background sounds or other communications and visual distractions (TV).

  • Use short sentences and very familiar words and expressions.

  • Ask simple questions which can be answered with yes or no.

  • Use gestures and maybe additional written information or pictures.

  • Try to establish signals for special tasks (e.g. going to the toilet or having a bath).

  • Keep the conversation short!

    However, if you feel the person gets frustrated and cannot follow the conversation, stop it and try again after a rest.

    More Information
    Pseudo-dementia Tracking conversations More articles about elderly people Pseudo dementia Discrimination of elderly people Rights and discrimination of elderly people Help for elderly people More about elderly people Child care articles
    Pages of interest from other web sites
    Dementia tips
    • Sources, references: http://web4health.info/en/answers/source/psy-dementia-talk.htm
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