How to communicate as a dementia patient

There may be times when you lose the thread of a conversation, or you think someone is looking at you like you have already said what you are saying. We talk about some ways that you can communicate with people. The key things to remember are not to become self conscious if you forget words or what you were talking about. People are very understanding and if you make them aware that you have dementia, they will be able to help you to express the points that you wish to make. 

Speak slower

Ask people to speak more slowly or to repeat the question if you didn’t understand what they were asking or saying. No one is going to mind you asking them to do this, so try not to feel self conscious about asking for help. 

Reduce noise distractions

Make sure that noise distractions are turned off. Whether that is the radio or television. If you are in a care home environment, why not ask if you can move into your room, or go for a walk, so that you can enjoy some time alone with your guest(s).

Maintain eye contact

Make sure you face the person who is speaking to you and look for verbal clues and body language. If you are unsure about how to respond, or cannot remember the word you need, don’t worry. The last thing you should do is become hung up on forgetting a word. As above, your audience will not mind, they want to help you to communicate as much as you want to be able to be understood. This will also help you to concentrate more on the conversation that you are having and not allow your mind to wander. 

But I can’t remember

If you are having difficulties remembering words quite often. Then sit and discuss this with your carer, or family member. Try and explain how you are feeling about this and see how you can identify a way to help you to remember words. They may try some activities with you regularly to help you to remember key words. Alternatively, you might be able to use some flash cards, which have an image that identifies what it is you are trying to say. Do not feel worried about having to use these. Being able to get your message across will help you to feel less anxious and happier that you have been able to achieve it.

Get them to help you

Ask people to tell you if you are repeating yourself a lot. This will help you to identify the behaviour. If you have suddenly forgotten what you were talking about or what the conversation was, ask them to repeat it to you calmly. If you do feel that anyone is shouting or being agitated with you, remind them that you aren’t deliberately doing this and that you need their help. Similarly, if you have forgotten someone’s name, don’t be worried to ask them to repeat it. If you don’t you’ll be more concerned worrying about how you remember their name, or that you cannot remember it and not able to concentrate on the conversation. Even if it is someone that you know is a special person to you, just remind them that you need them to help you sometimes. 

Keep talking

The last thing you should do is stop talking. Your loved ones will still want to be able to talk to you and tell you what has been happening with them and keep you up to date with family news. If you are having a challenging day, where words are escaping you, why not ask to do something together. That could be baking an old family favourite, preparing a special meal together, or something as simple as looking through old photograph albums. If you are feeling particularly anxious, they try and explain this to them. You could play some music together or sing a favourite tune to feel calmer and more at ease.

Don’t give up! As difficult as some days may feel, you have many people who want to support and care for you, so keep going. They will find ways to help you with your communication should you be having a more challenging day. Social engagement is very important through your dementia journey and it will help you to feel happier in yourself.

For more details on dementia take a look at our knowledge base here