How to Communicate with Loved Ones With Alzheimer’s
Communicating with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s may be difficult, frustrating and saddening at times. Conversations may be a little different than they used to be, but communicating with your loved one can still be achievable. I want to give you some tips and things to remember to make communication easier and more enjoyable for the both of you.
Speak Slowly and Clearly
If your loved one has difficulty with processing information, speaking slowly and clearly can help them understand you better. Speaking too fast can stress their minds, and cause confusion and frustration.
Say the Individual’s Name
Throughout the conversation, make sure to keep saying your loved one’s name. This helps to let them know that you are speaking directly to them and that they have your full attention.
Bring Pictures
Bringing pictures from different points of time in an individual’s life may help bring up past memories or help them remember certain people or places. Some people with Alzheimer’s are in the mindset of when they were younger. Bringing along pictures of when they were kids or young adults might spark a deeper memory. It might spark a fun memory for them and it can give you something to talk about that brings them joy.
Don’t Argue With Your Loved One
If your loved one speaks about something that isn’t quite accurate, don’t correct them. You can go along with what they are saying and ask them questions about it. Their reality might not be the same as ours. Like I stated previously, they could have the mindset that they are 12 years old instead of 70. Arguing with them can just cause them more confusion and stress in the present time.
Include Activity
If you are able to go outside with your loved one while you visit, then do it. Go for a walk or do simple, enjoyable tasks like gardening. If they are in the act of doing something they enjoy, they will be in a better mood which can help their mind and foster communication. If it’s hard for them to talk, you can communicate and spend time with each other through art, music or other activities.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Encouraging healthy habits can help your loved one manage their Alzheimer’s, which will improve any communication and interaction you wish to have. Encourage them to eat healthy meals. Avoid refined sugars and increase vegetables. This can help with behavioral interactions as well.
Have them take natural supplements that help cognitive function. I’ve developed Ceremin to help the mind stay young. It can give your loved one a massive memory boost and can even sharpen recall. Clinical studies show all test subjects reported better attention span, working memory and mood. And better yet, results of memory and mood were seen even after 30 days.
Ceremin is not meant to cure or prevent Alzheimer’s.
People can live years past their Alzhiemer’s diagnosis. Make the most of each interaction you have with them. Each encounter might not be the best, but keep trying and don’t let unrealistic expectations ruin a good interaction. Sometimes being grateful for even the slightest recall and conversations can go a long way for the both of you.
