Alzheimer’s: a communication disease
“If Alzheimer’s disease is a disease of memory, it is also a disease of communication. And not being understood, not understanding, repeating yourself constantly, not being able to hold a conversation… can end by being wearisome” comments the specialist.
Why such difficulties
Because short-term memory is affected and the sick person gradually forgets what they have just been told, what they have just read, what they have eaten while they take everything out table fair. Little by little, she loses her bearings and old and recent events collide.
Ausis language is altered: Alzheimer’s patients lack words, their sentences are less and less informative. So many obstacles to communication, sources of misunderstandings, frustrations and sometimes aggressiveness.
To keep communication as calm as possible, don’t forget that if they misunderstand your words, Alzheimer’s patients know how to recognize gestures of affection (or irritation) and hear your body language perfectly. An essential tool for communication.
5 tips for talking to the sick
Pick the right time and a quiet place. Sit at his height and capture his attention by looking or touching him. “Anything related to sensation is very important in Alzheimer’s patients. And they themselves communicate a lot through their eyes” specifies Marie-Noëlle Lebrun.
Adopt a soothing tone and reassuring gestures. Speak slowly and calmly. Smile and don’t hesitate to take his hands in yours, caress his arms, cuddle him. “It’s not only comforting but also the best way to show him your affection.”
Use short sentences. Simple and evocative words. Rather than “come and settle down, we’re going to have dinner”, prefer “come to the table, we’re going to eat chicken”. Repeat important information and, if possible, show photos of people or what you are talking about: “Look, it’s raining, we’ll wait for it to stop to go out”.
Use closed questions. Requests such as “How are you feeling?” or “What do you want to eat?” are too broad. Prefer: are you cold? or even “Do you want pasta?”, more concrete.
Offer simple time markers. Alzheimer’s patients need rituals and habits that make them feel secure. Give him elements to which he can relate: “It’s almost snack time” or “It’s time for the newspaper” when they ask for the time, for example.
Help the sick to express themselves
Suggest words. The Alzheimer’s patient can stumble over expressions, mix similar sounds like “bread” and “wine”. Give him time to find them and, if he has trouble, suggest words and rephrase the sentence to show that you understand.
Rectify mistakes without insisting. Alzheimer’s patients are very sensitive to their failures. He doesn’t remember you? Remind him who you are: “You didn’t recognize me because I changed my blouse, but that’s okay. I’m Solange, your daughter.” Is he in the wrong season? Appreciate his efforts to answer: ‘You can’t wait for summer but look, the trees don’t have leaves yet. We have to wait, it’s still winter. Does he always ask the same question? It is often a sign of anxiety. Answer 2 or 3 times then divert the question by asking him about his needs. If he insists, just ignore the request.
Above all, be patient. There are times when the patient wants to talk, others not. Take into account his fatigue and above all do not rush him. “Sometimes also if his words escape you or become a little too aggressive, try to let him express himself because these moments of discharge and solitude are sometimes necessary.
