Download Cengage PowerPoint Template

Nursing Assistant Monthly
Communication and Dementia:
When words no longer have meaning
December 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Communication
Is the basis for all relationships
 Informal or casual
– For example: co-workers, business associates
 Close relationships
– For example: friends and family
Communicating with someone who has dementia can be
challenging because words lose their meaning.
December 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Communication and dementia
Communication
Communication can be:
 Verbal
– Using words to express thoughts, feelings, needs
 Nonverbal
– Body language
December 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Communication and dementia
Nonverbal messages
 Facial expression
– Smile, frown, grimacing
 Posture
– Slumped or upright
 Body position
– Turning one’s back, facing someone straight-on
 Gestures
– Palms up, palms together, shaking a finger at someone
What do the above examples mean to you?
Can you think of more?
December 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Communication and dementia
Early dementia
 The person my understand most of what you say
 Sometimes finding the right word is difficult for them
 Recall of recent events is usually impaired
Caregiver tips:
 Speak slowly and clearly
 Allow the person time to reply
 Be patient
 Pay attention to body language signals
December 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Communication and dementia
Moderate dementia
 The person may make statements that do not make sense
 Has difficultly naming objects
 May become easily frustrated
 Withdrawal is common
Caregiver tips:
 Never argue; it is better to gently redirect the conversation
 Re-orient the person with simple, clear statements
 Keep the environment as calm and soothing as possible
 Use body language to communicate caring, calmness
December 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Communication and dementia
Advanced dementia
 Speech may be absent or not intelligible (gibberish)
 May have lost the ability to ambulate
 Swallowing may be impaired
Caregiver tips:
 Use gentle touch, soft soothing voice, holding hands
Remember, that while words are meaningless,
this person can still be comforted with
nonverbal communication!
This is powerful—and beautiful—caregiving!
December 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Communication and dementia
Why is nonverbal communication
so important?
 People with dementia may lose their verbal skills
but they usually retain their nonverbal skills
 Caregivers can use this knowledge to improve the quality
of life for someone with dementia
December 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Communication and dementia