Communication and Dementia

Question 1

What communication challenges do individuals with dementia face?

Answer 1

 Reduced vocabulary
 Word-finding difficulty
 Problems with reasoning
 Repetition of thoughts
 A decline in reading and writing abilities

Question 2

How does the Person-Centered Care (PCC) approach enhance communication?

Answer 2

Believe that communication is possible.
Focus on the person’s abilities and skills
Provide re-assurance and be positive

Question 3

How to communicate with a client who has dementia

Answer 3

• Use a friendly, calm, and relaxed approach to
  create ease.
• Address them by their preferred name,
  which may differ from what you’ve always
  used.
• Stay flexible.
• Avoid a controlling or authoritative tone.

Question 4

How not to communicate with a client who has dementia

Answer 4

Avoid generic terms like “lovie” or
“dearie.”
Refrain from using abstract
language.
Avoid literal phrases that may
confuse, e.g., “put the person
down.”