Alzheimer’s: a disease of communication
“If Alzheimer’s disease is a disease of memory, it is also a disease of communication. And not being understood, not understanding, repeating yourself over and over, not being able to hold a conversation … can end. by being weary “comments the specialist.
Why such difficulties
Because short-term memory is affected and the sick person forgets what has just been said to him, what he has just read, what he has eaten while taking everything out just table. Little by little, it loses its bearings and old and recent events collide.
The language is also altered: Alzheimer’s patients lack words, their sentences are less and less informative. There are obstacles to communication, sources of misunderstandings, frustrations and sometimes aggressiveness.
To keep communication as calm as possible, remember that if they misunderstand your words, Alzheimer’s patients can recognize gestures of affection (or irritation) and can hear your body language perfectly. An essential tool for communicating.
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. “Everything that has to do with sensation is very important in Alzheimer’s patients. And they themselves communicate a lot by looking” specifies Marie-Noëlle Lebrun.
Adopt a calming tone and reassuring gestures. Speak slowly and calmly. Smile and don’t hesitate to take his hands in yours, to stroke his arms, to cuddle him. “It’s not only heartwarming but also the best way to show him your affection.”
Use short sentences. Simple and evocative words. Rather than “come and sit down, we’re going to dinner”, prefer “come to the table, we’re going to eat chicken”. Repeat the important information and, if possible, show pictures of the people or what you are talking about: “Look, it’s raining, we’ll wait until it stops to get out”.
Use closed-ended questions. Requests such as “How are you feeling?” or “What do you want to eat?” are too large. Prefer: are you cold? or again “Do you want pasta?”, more concrete.
Provide simple time frames. People with Alzheimer’s need rituals and habits that make them feel secure. Give them things they can relate to: “It’s almost snack time” or “It’s newspaper time” when they ask for the time, for example.
Help the patient to express himself
Suggest words to her. The Alzheimer’s patient can stumble on expressions, mix similar sounds like “bread” and “wine”. Give him time to find them and, if he is having trouble, suggest words and rephrase the sentence to show that you understand.
Correct his mistakes without pushing. People with Alzheimer’s are very sensitive to their failures. Doesn’t he remember you? Remind her who you are: “You didn’t recognize me because I changed my blouse, but that’s okay. I’m Solange, your daughter.” Is it the wrong season? Value her efforts to answer, ‘You can’t wait to be in summer but look, the trees have no 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 speak, others not. Take into account his fatigue and above all do not rush him. “Sometimes also if his words escape you or get a little too aggressive, try to let him speak because these moments of discharge and loneliness are sometimes necessary.
