How to talk to someone with Alzheimer’s – 7/2/2023 – Equilibrium

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects 6.7 million adults over age 65 in the United States. [No Brasil, a expectativa é que os casos aumentem mais de 206% até 2050. Um trabalho publicado na The Lancet Public Health mostrou que o país poderá chegar a 5,6 milhões de indivíduos com a condição em 2050. Em 2019, eram cerca de 1,8 milhão.]

The disease not only slowly destroys a person’s memory, it also diminishes their communication skills. All of this can be deeply frustrating for caregivers.

Here’s what to keep in mind when spending time with someone who has the condition.

Be aware of your body language and the environment

“As people lose the ability to communicate, they still read us very well,” says Allison Lindauer, an associate professor of neurology at the Oregon University of Health and Science School of Medicine.

Therefore, strive to have a calm and friendly demeanor. Recognize that your body language communicates something. Try to have face-to-face conversations whenever possible. Limit distractions and background noise.

Avoid imprecise questions and ‘old people’

Instead of a general question like “What do you want for dinner?” ask, “Would you like pork chops or lasagna?” says Lindauer, adding, “You don’t want to put them in big doubt.”

Speaking in a loud, simple, high-pitched “baby” talk that is sometimes called “old talk” can come off as condescending. Research shows that this approach also tends to make people more resistant to care.

Change approach as disease progresses

Knowing what stage of illness your family member is in can help you hone your approach. At an early stage, it is important to avoid making assumptions about the person’s ability to communicate based on the diagnosis. Don’t exclude the person from conversations and give them time to respond without interruption.

Connect with resources

Improving communication skills can have a tremendous impact on both the person with the illness and the caregivers. The Brazilian Alzheimer’s Association has publications and online support groups that help to deal with the disease.

In English, the American Institute on Aging provides guidance on communication, as does the Alzheimer’s Association USA, which offers support groups and classes.

Translated by Luiz Roberto M. Gonçalves