Caregiving: How to talk to someone with Alzheimer’s disease

It can be difficult to communicate effectively with a parent or relative with Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s some advice from experts quoted in the Harvard Health Letter:

• Don’t shout. Hearing is not the problem. Speak in a calm, warm tone of voice.
• Include the person in conversation whenever possible. People in the early stages of the disease complain that others talk about them as if they aren’t there.
• Use simple words and avoid too many pronouns: He, she. Use names instead.
• Use leading statements rather than open-ended questions. Ask if he would like a cup of coffee, for example, instead of asking what he would like to drink.
• Make eye contact, touch, and be conscious of your body language. Nonverbal cues become increasingly important as the disease progresses.
• Say things that express positive emotions. As you leave, say that you enjoyed the visit so much.
• Make the most of the last word. Sufferers often latch on to the last word in a statement, probably because it’s the easiest to remember. Ask which he wants to wear, red or blue. He will say “blue.” It makes him feel as though he has decided for himself.
• Don’t make him wait. A shortened attention span can make waiting even a few minutes a trying time. Often, problems with grooming or eating are the result of waiting for a caregiver to get organized — not the activity itself.