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Communication
Persons with dementia will gradually diminish ability to communicate. They may have more difficulty expressing thoughts and emotions and have more trouble understanding others. The person may not able to find the right words − particularly the names of objects, may substitute an incorrect word, or may not find any word at all.
Changes in communication
The person with dementia may experience changes in communication such as:
1. Difficulty finding the right words
2. Using familiar words repeatedly
3. Inventing new words to describe familiar objects
4. Easily lose their train of thought
5. Difficulty organizing words logically
6. Reverting to speaking in a native language
7. Using curse words
8. Speaking less often
9. More often relying on gestures instead of speaking
Tips for better communication
1. Identify yourself
2. Call the person by name
3. Use short, simple words and sentences
4. Speak slowly and clearly
5. Give one-step directions
6. Ask one question at a time
7. Patiently wait for a response
8. Repeat information or questions
9. Turn questions into answers
10. Avoid confusing expressions
11. Avoid vague statements
12. Emphasize keywords
13. Turn negatives into positives
14. Give visual cues
15. Avoid quizzing
16. Give simple explanations
17. Write things down
18. Treat the person with dignity and respect
19. Be aware of your tone of voice
20. Pay special attention to your body language
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