| As Alzheimer’s progresses, it diminishes a | | | | pointing to convey their message. Though the |
| person’s ability to communicate with others | | | | process can be frustrating, for both the |
| and makes it difficult for caregivers to fully | | | | Alzheimer’s patient and caregiver, it’s |
| understand a loved ones needs. Alzheimer’s | | | | important to familiarize with your loved ones |
| patients not only have a difficult time speaking | | | | gestures and invented words so they’re able |
| and expressing their thoughts, feelings and | | | | to communicate more efficiently. |
| emotions, but also have trouble understanding | | | | Make sure your loved one always knows that |
| others and tend to confuse words and general | | | | you’re listening and trying to understand what |
| conversation. Learning to communicate with a | | | | they’re saying. Be patient and make eye |
| loved one who has Alzheimer’s is essential | | | | contact, allowing them to finish what they’re |
| because it helps to understand their daily needs. | | | | trying to say without prodding, corrections or |
| There are several changes that take place in the | | | | criticism. If your loved one is having difficulty |
| communication of a person with Alzheimer’s | | | | finding the right word, help them by guessing |
| and you may notice that your loved one has | | | | which word they’re referring to and if you |
| difficulty finding the right words, uses words | | | | cannot guess, ask them to make a gesture or |
| they’re familiar with over and over and | | | | point to something that relates to what |
| invents words that don’t exist to describe | | | | they’re trying to say. |
| familiar objects. They may easily lose their train | | | | Patience is the key to communicating with a loved |
| of thought, have difficulty organizing words in a | | | | one suffering from Alzheimer’s and if you |
| sentence and begin speaking in their native | | | | focus on their feelings, rather than the facts, you |
| language. | | | | may have a deeper understanding of what |
| When they sense they’re not properly | | | | they’re really trying to say. Talking slowly, |
| communicating, people with Alzheimer’s tend | | | | using short sentences and repeating information |
| to become agitated and use curse words and | | | | can help them to process information easier with |
| stop speaking all together. Instead of relying on | | | | less confusion and frustration. |
| their words, they might begin using gestures and | | | | |