Living well - Communication - How to communicate effectively

As your condition progresses, it is normal to experience difficulty finding the right words. It might also become more difficult to understand what people are saying to you. Below are some suggestions to make communicating easier.

• Take your time when speaking
• Tell people you are having a problem with thinking, communicating and remembering
• If you do not understand something, ask the person to repeat it
• It is okay to ask over and over again
• If too many people in a room bother you, go to a quieter place
• If you lose a thought, do not worry. It might come back to you

Some other communication strategies to consider include:

• Keep a pen and paper handy to write down notes for reminders
• When in a group setting, write down one word that can bring the point back when you get an opportunity to speak
• Keep conversations simple and on the light side
• Take a few moments, relax, and think about what you want to say, or what people want you to do; the words often come when you feel less pressured
• Ask people to slow down
• Don't be afraid to tell others if you are having a bad day
• Let others know if you are comfortable with them helping you find words if you are having difficulty finishing a sentence

Source: The information above was compiled with permission from:

Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2003). Just for you. Toronto, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP). (2007). By Us for Us Guide: Enhancing communication: An inspirational guide for people like us with early-stage memory loss. Waterloo, Ontario.

Often in social or large group situations, communication becomes an issue. It is easy to lose your train of thought. Often, the conversation is too quick and you may find it difficult to keep up. You may find that you also need more time to process your thoughts and provide a response to questions.

Here are some strategies to help:

• If you don't think of anything to say, don't worry about it
• Listen to others and participate as much as you are able
• Do your important communicating when you are rested
• Communicate in a quiet environment and minimize distractions
• Ask people to speak one person at a time
• Make notes before important conversations so you don't get sidetracked
• Communicate during meal times, while walking, or when working on projects, as these conversations tend to flow more easily
• Ask people to slow down and use shorter sentences
• Ask people to repeat a question in a different context, or have them provide an example
• Try to keep to one-on-one conversations or small groups
• If you don't understand a word someone has said, don't be afraid to ask them to clarify the meaning of the word for you

Source: The information above was compiled with permission from:

Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2003). Just for you. Toronto, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP). (2007). By Us for Us Guide: Enhancing communication: An inspirational guide for people like us with early-stage memory loss. Waterloo, Ontario. 

For persons living with dementia, communication becomes challenging because they may lose their words, they may draw a blank or have challenges finding the right words. Further they may have difficulties projecting their voice and even may stutter. When this happens, consider the following:

• Ask how they would like you to help in these situations
• Pay attention to non-verbal cues and body language, such as eyes and hands and body language
• Give reminders and prompts, if that is their preference
• Allow them time to think, find the right word, answer questions, or write down their thoughts. Silence allows time for people living with dementia to process what has been said and respond
• Remind them what you were speaking about
• Ask if they want help with a word, but do not rush to finish their sentence

In a social situation, or in large groups, some other strategies to consider are:

• Keep conversations light and simple and talk to the person living with dementia slowly and calmly
• Provide them with one suggestion at a time and provide fewer options/choices
• Be direct and open and don't beat around the bush
• Don't interrupt when a person living with dementia is speaking; they may lose their train of thought
• Do not move ahead in a conversation too quickly; they may not be able to keep up with the conversation
• Allow the person living with dementia the time they need to process their thoughts and to communicate it to you

Source: The information above was compiled with permission from:

Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2003). Just for you. Toronto, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP). (2007). By Us for Us Guide: Enhancing communication: An inspirational guide for people like us with early-stage memory loss. Waterloo, Ontario.

It is important as a partner in care to truly listen to the person who is living with dementia.
Some communication strategies to consider include:

• Speak directly to the person living with dementia
• Really listen to what the person is saying and ask questions if you do not understand
• Do not talk to them as though you are talking to a child
• Offer gentle encouragement and "quiet help" when it is needed
• Acknowledge that they still have a lot to offer and can still contribute to their health and well-being
• Treat them in the same way you would want to be treated
• Problem solve together
• Write reminder notes and leave them where the person living with dementia will find them
• Make a checklist or help the person living with dementia use timers as reminders
• Give instructions one step at a time
• Don't be afraid to ask the person living with dementia for help

Source: The information above was compiled with permission from:

Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2003). Just for you. Toronto, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP). (2007). By Us for Us Guide: Enhancing communication: An inspirational guide for people like us with early-stage memory loss. Waterloo, Ontario. 

You might have questions about dementia, such as symptoms, treatments and what to expect. It is a good idea to make a list of questions for your doctor to bring with you to your next visit. It might also be helpful to have a family member or friend come with you to your next visit to take notes. That way, if you forget something you can ask your family member/friend later on. It is okay to ask that information be explained to you slowly and with diagrams.

Consider these other strategies when communicating with health care professionals:

• Write down any questions or symptoms you have and prioritize these comments before your appointment, as you might not have time to discuss all your concerns
• Ask the doctor to write down any instructions for you, no matter how small, such as going to the lab or making a new appointment
• Take a trusted family member or friend with you to a doctor's appointment and ask them to make notes, ask questions, and support you
• Be totally open and honest with your doctor about everything that has changed and the things that are not normal for you.
• Make a list or keep a diary to help you remember
• Ask a trusted family member to make a list of changes that they have noticed in you and have them discuss this list with you BEFORE they show it to your doctors
• Book an extended appointment if needed (30 minutes rather than 15 minutes)

Source: The information above was compiled with permission from:

Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2003). Just for you. Toronto, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP). (2007). By Us for Us Guide: Enhancing communication: An inspirational guide for people like us with early-stage memory loss. Waterloo, Ontario.

Consider the following questions:

• Did you bring all of your medication, in bottles, including over-the-counter medications like vitamins and herbal medications, or a list of medications including the strength (e.g. 5mg)?
• Did you write down questions or concerns before the appointment? Recognize that not all issues can be dealt with at one appointment
• Did your family members or friends write down observations regarding changes (either good or bad) that they have observed since your last appointment? This will help the doctor to better gauge the progression of dementia (either positive or negative), and to follow an improvement after medication.
• Did you arrange for a family member or friend to accompany you to the appointment to provide information, be a second set of ears, and take notes for you during the appointment?
• Did you keep a list of all doctor or therapy appointments, medical tests, and hospital admissions forms to bring with you to the appointment, to help keep track of important issues?

Source: The information above was compiled with permission from the Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP). (2007). By Us for Us Guide: Enhancing communication: An inspirational guide for people like us with early-stage memory loss. Waterloo, Ontario.