September is world Alzheimer’s awareness month

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, with the focus to understand and address current perceptions and attitudes towards dementia, and to build more dementia friendly society. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias gradually diminish people’s ability to communicate. Communication with people with Alzheimer’s requires patience, understand-ing and good listening skills. The strategies below can help those with cognitive decline and their caretakers to better understand each other.

With Alzheimer’s, changes in the ability to communicate can vary based on the disease progression. They include:

• Difficulty finding the right word or repeatedly using familiar words.

• Describing familiar objects rather than calling them by name.

• Easily losing thoughts and experiencing difficulty organizing words logically.

• Reverting to speaking a native language or speaking less often.

• Relying on gestures more than speaking.

ALZHEIMER'S, page 12 Vision and hearing loss may also be present in people with dementia, which can make communication even more challenging. The good news is that many sensory problems can be easily addressed with interventions such as hearing aids or prescription lenses, and may in turn improve communication. Those with cognitive decline should check their hearing and eyesight regularly.

Communication in the early stage. In the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes referred to as mild Alzheimer’s, people can still participate in a meaningful conversation and engage in social activities. However, they may repeat stories, feel overwhelmed by excessive stimulation or have difficulty finding the right word. Tips for successful communication with people with cognitive decline:

• Don’t make assumptions about their ability to communicate because of the Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The disease affects everyone differently.

• Don’texcludethemfromtheconversations,andspeakdirectly to them rather than their companion or caregiver.

• Take time to listen while they express their thoughts, feelings and needs, and give them time to respond. Don’t interrupt unless help is requested.

• Ask what they are comfortable doing and if they need help.

• Discuss which method of communication is most comfortable. This could include face-to-face conversation, email or phone calls.

• It’s okay to laugh. Sometimes humor lightens then mood and makes communication easier.

• Don’t pull away. Being honest, friendly and supportive is what makes all the difference.

Communication in the middle stage. Alzheimer’s can last for many years, and as it progresses, people will have greater difficulty communicating and will require more direct care. Following are the tips for successful communication with people in the middle stage of cognitive decline:

• Engage in one-on-one conversation in a quiet space that has minimal distractions, and speak slowly and clearly. Give them plenty of time to respond.

• Maintain eye contact, be patient and offer reassurance.

• Ask one question at a time and be specific. For example, “would you like some coffee?” rather than “what would you like to drink?”

• Avoidcriticizing,correctingorarguing.Listenandtrytofindthe meaning in what they say. In case of disagreement, just let it be.

• Offerclearinstructionsfortasks,givevisualcues(demonstrate a task to encourage participation) and write notes if spoken words seem confusing.

Communication in the late stage. The late stage of Alzheimer’s disease may last from weeks to several years, and usually requires around-the-clock care. As the disease advances, people may rely on nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions or vocal sounds. Following are the tips for successful communication with people in the late stage of Alzheimer’s:

• Approach them from the front and identify yourself.

• Encourage nonverbal communication through pointing and gestures. Use touch, sights, sounds, smells and tastes as a form of communication.

• Consider the feelings behind words or sounds and treat them with dignity and respect.

• It’soknothavinganythingtosay.Yourpresenceandfriendship are most important.

To learn more, visit Alzheimer’s Association at https://shorturl. at/Xjf6H —Alzheimer’s Association